Using a USB2 HD for backup

[Jeff Malka]

I purchased a USB2 80 GB external HD to use instead of a tape drive for
backup to my XP Home system. I would like advice about 2 questions:

1. What is the best way to backup everything to this hard drive? (zip,
software, etc.)
2. What is the best way to keep it synchronized or uptodate?
3. How to deal with backing up open files in XP?

 

[Jeff Malka]

Thank you. That is useful info.

Other than the open files, why is this better than using copy or xcopy.

 

[CS]

Hi Jeff:

For one, it's much faster. True Image for example, was able to make
an exact image (complete backup) of my system drive in less than 8
minutes. That's how long it took to copy the entire system drive to
the USB 2.0 external drive. The system drive (partition) is 8 gbyte.

If you use copy or xcopy, it will take longer and you will be unable
to backup the registry since it will be in use. Also there's always
the chance of overlooking deeply buried folders with hidden system
attributes when copying or xcopying.

Regards.

Thank you. That is useful info.