Vista versus XP Backup

[5Circles]

I'm a newbie to Vista, trying to figure out how to set up a backup of
some specific files and directories. I have a sense of what can and
can't be done but I'm not sure if I can use XP to overcome
limitations, or what other approaches people are taking.

I'm using Vista Home Premium, and XP Media Center.

I want to back up some folders that are shared on a server, along with
some Outlook PST files.

As I understand it, Vista can't backup specific files, only file
types. Is this true with all versions?

I could use XP to backup the files on the server, but it can't backup
files that are in use by another computer, even with shadow copy. An
XP computer can use a shadow copy to backup files that it is using,
with the shadow copy mechanism.

So right now, it looks like I can do some sort of backup by using the
XP as long as applications running on Vista do not currently have
files open. Or I can pay extra for some Vista backup software. Is
this true? It seems crazy to have to pay extra for something that was
included in previous versions.

Thanks

 

[Spirit]

http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptreplicator.asp
Excellent FREE program - no ads or spyware

 

[Ian Betts]

I'm a newbie to Vista, trying to figure out how to set up a backup of
some specific files and directories. I have a sense of what can and
can't be done but I'm not sure if I can use XP to overcome
limitations, or what other approaches people are taking.

I'm using Vista Home Premium, and XP Media Center.

I want to back up some folders that are shared on a server, along with
some Outlook PST files.

As I understand it, Vista can't backup specific files, only file
types. Is this true with all versions?

I could use XP to backup the files on the server, but it can't backup
files that are in use by another computer, even with shadow copy. An
XP computer can use a shadow copy to backup files that it is using,
with the shadow copy mechanism.

So right now, it looks like I can do some sort of backup by using the
XP as long as applications running on Vista do not currently have
files open. Or I can pay extra for some Vista backup software. Is
this true? It seems crazy to have to pay extra for something that was
included in previous versions.

Thanks

Vista will not back up to the same hard drive, only to a second internal
hard drive or external hard drive.

Vista decided this was an added security measure for you.

XP will back up where you choose.

--
Ian

With patience there is always a way.

Please Reply to Newsgroup so all can read.
Requests for assistance by email can not and will be deleted.

 

[5Circles]

Thanks for the reminder about file move/copy utilities. I've had
success with these before, and also use Laplink quite often for this
type of task. But I was hoping for something more integrated with the
OS - ideally that would handle open files.