Using a second drive for backup, then OS crashes

[mBird]

Hi --

We have a single Windows XP SP2, Workgroup, NTFS without simple filesharing.
I put a second hard drive in to use as a backup for files.
What I'm wondering is: what if Windows OS crashes in the future on my
primary drive. If I re-install the OS then will I be able to see files on my
second hard drive? I wonder that since the files on that drive have ACL (I
don't use simple file sharing) so that when I install a new OS I don't have
permission to see them any longer?

Thanks!

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hi --

We have a single Windows XP SP2, Workgroup, NTFS without simple filesharing.
I put a second hard drive in to use as a backup for files.
What I'm wondering is: what if Windows OS crashes in the future on my
primary drive. If I re-install the OS then will I be able to see files on my
second hard drive? I wonder that since the files on that drive have ACL (I
don't use simple file sharing) so that when I install a new OS I don't have
permission to see them any longer?

If I were you, I would rethink your backup strategy. What you are
doing is better than no backup at all, but not by a lot. I don't
recommend backup to a second non-removable hard drive because it
leaves you susceptible to simultaneous loss of the original and backup
to many of the most common dangers: severe power glitches, nearby
lightning strikes, virus attacks, even theft of the computer.

In my view, secure backup needs to be on removable media, and not kept
in the computer. For really secure backup (needed, for example, if the
life of your business depends on your data) you should have multiple
generations of backup, and at least one of those generations should be
stored off-site.

My computer isn't used for business, but my personal backup scheme
uses two identical removable hard drives,I alternate between the two,
and use Acronis True Image to make a complete copy of the primary
drive.

Take that drive out of the computer, put in an external USB enclosure
($20-25 US, and very easy to do), and connect it only when you are
backing up or restoring, and you will have a much more secure backup
technique.

 

[Malke]

Hi --

We have a single Windows XP SP2, Workgroup, NTFS without simple filesharing.
I put a second hard drive in to use as a backup for files.
What I'm wondering is: what if Windows OS crashes in the future on my
primary drive. If I re-install the OS then will I be able to see files on my
second hard drive? I wonder that since the files on that drive have ACL (I
don't use simple file sharing) so that when I install a new OS I don't have
permission to see them any longer?

I've never had a problem doing this and I always keep my data files on a
different hard drive and I never use Simple File Sharing. At the very
worst, you'd need to take ownership of the files/folders. I wouldn't
worry about it.


Malke

 

[bojimbo26one]

Hi --

We have a single Windows XP SP2, Workgroup, NTFS without simple filesharing.
I put a second hard drive in to use as a backup for files.
What I'm wondering is: what if Windows OS crashes in the future on my
primary drive. If I re-install the OS then will I be able to see files on my
second hard drive? I wonder that since the files on that drive have ACL (I
don't use simple file sharing) so that when I install a new OS I don't have
permission to see them any longer?

Thanks!

Use an external drive and backup to that - no problems .

 

[Don Schmidt]

Using a RAIDARRAY - two drives. Everything is installed, copied, deleted
twice; once on each drive. Then monthly I backup everything except Flight
Sim X (something like 14 gigs) to a network drive. The network drive is on
only during backup and an occasional file restore of something deleted and
then wanted back. All running well and safe with an APC UPS running
interference to power interruptions.