K
Ken Blake
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T
Terry R.
The date and time was 11/12/2008 12:06 AM, and on a whim, Ken Blake
pounded out on the keyboard:
Unless the backup program creates single files and their total
compressed data is larger than 4 gig. And since she has XP, I'm sure
she has over 4 gig. I'm talking mainly full backups here, as their data
may fall within those limits.
Funny how 4 gig used to seem like a wasteland of space...
--
Terry R.
***Reply Note***
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Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
pounded out on the keyboard:
She doesn't *have to* do that. Alternatively, she can make the entire drive
FAT32, since XP can use that too.
Unless the backup program creates single files and their total
compressed data is larger than 4 gig. And since she has XP, I'm sure
she has over 4 gig. I'm talking mainly full backups here, as their data
may fall within those limits.
Funny how 4 gig used to seem like a wasteland of space...
--
Terry R.
***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
L
LisaB
Ok well seeing that I bought 500GB and my computer (5 years old) is ony 1GB
lol I guess I'll have no problems backing up my folks computer (not saying
I'm going to; just wondered if I could). My pic folders will increase and
music; and they take up most of the space along with some games. This is a
home computer. I have some websites I created (for fun) and stuff. I would
like a copy of the entire system. I'm really new at this backing up and I'm
good at doing things on the computer and bad at the lingo lol.
Thanks
LisaB
lol I guess I'll have no problems backing up my folks computer (not saying
I'm going to; just wondered if I could). My pic folders will increase and
music; and they take up most of the space along with some games. This is a
home computer. I have some websites I created (for fun) and stuff. I would
like a copy of the entire system. I'm really new at this backing up and I'm
good at doing things on the computer and bad at the lingo lol.
Thanks
LisaB
L
LisaB
You have all been very helpful and yes somewhat comfusing at times LOL.
Now what I find confusing is: I go and buy this exteral harddrive being told
they are better then flashdrive pens and now I read so many reivews (all
brands) saying they had to return their External HD after a week; month(s)
due to breaking. So I'm thinking hmmm we put all our personal info on this
thing and if he breaks under warrenty; we return it to the store and hope
they trash it? clean it? keep our files?
How does this work?
THANKS!
LisaB
Now what I find confusing is: I go and buy this exteral harddrive being told
they are better then flashdrive pens and now I read so many reivews (all
brands) saying they had to return their External HD after a week; month(s)
due to breaking. So I'm thinking hmmm we put all our personal info on this
thing and if he breaks under warrenty; we return it to the store and hope
they trash it? clean it? keep our files?
How does this work?
THANKS!
LisaB
T
Tom [Pepper] Willett
: Now what I find confusing is: I go and buy this exteral harddrive being
told
: they are better then flashdrive pens and now I read so many reivews (all
: brands) saying they had to return their External HD after a week; month(s)
: due to breaking.
That usually happens when people by cheaply made products.
told
: they are better then flashdrive pens and now I read so many reivews (all
: brands) saying they had to return their External HD after a week; month(s)
: due to breaking.
That usually happens when people by cheaply made products.
L
LisaB
Well that's my concern. I only paid (sale) $100 for SimpleTech 500 GB. Is
that considered a cheaply made product?
I only plugged it in and have not used it; so I'm guess that means there are
no files of mine on it yet. If it's cheap perhaps I should upgrade or take my
chance on a cheaper pendrives; because it's sounds like it's a gamble either
way. My main concern is that I don't want to have to return it in fear that
they will have my files and I sure don't want to trash it for $100.
Maybe I'm reading way too much OR maybe I bought on impusle. hmmmm
Thanks
LisaB
that considered a cheaply made product?
I only plugged it in and have not used it; so I'm guess that means there are
no files of mine on it yet. If it's cheap perhaps I should upgrade or take my
chance on a cheaper pendrives; because it's sounds like it's a gamble either
way. My main concern is that I don't want to have to return it in fear that
they will have my files and I sure don't want to trash it for $100.
Maybe I'm reading way too much OR maybe I bought on impusle. hmmmm
Thanks
LisaB
T
Tom [Pepper] Willett
Google for the exact model you bought or generally , such as "simpletech
external hard drive reviews"...and see what you find.
: Well that's my concern. I only paid (sale) $100 for SimpleTech 500 GB. Is
: that considered a cheaply made product?
:
: I only plugged it in and have not used it; so I'm guess that means there
are
: no files of mine on it yet. If it's cheap perhaps I should upgrade or take
my
: chance on a cheaper pendrives; because it's sounds like it's a gamble
either
: way. My main concern is that I don't want to have to return it in fear
that
: they will have my files and I sure don't want to trash it for $100.
:
: Maybe I'm reading way too much OR maybe I bought on impusle. hmmmm
:
: Thanks
: LisaB
:
: "Tom [Pepper] Willett" wrote:
:
: >
: > : Now what I find confusing is: I go and buy this exteral harddrive
being
: > told
: > : they are better then flashdrive pens and now I read so many reivews
(all
: > : brands) saying they had to return their External HD after a week;
month(s)
: > : due to breaking.
: >
: > That usually happens when people by cheaply made products.
: >
: >
: >
external hard drive reviews"...and see what you find.
: Well that's my concern. I only paid (sale) $100 for SimpleTech 500 GB. Is
: that considered a cheaply made product?
:
: I only plugged it in and have not used it; so I'm guess that means there
are
: no files of mine on it yet. If it's cheap perhaps I should upgrade or take
my
: chance on a cheaper pendrives; because it's sounds like it's a gamble
either
: way. My main concern is that I don't want to have to return it in fear
that
: they will have my files and I sure don't want to trash it for $100.
:
: Maybe I'm reading way too much OR maybe I bought on impusle. hmmmm
:
: Thanks
: LisaB
:
: "Tom [Pepper] Willett" wrote:
:
: >
: > : Now what I find confusing is: I go and buy this exteral harddrive
being
: > told
: > : they are better then flashdrive pens and now I read so many reivews
(all
: > : brands) saying they had to return their External HD after a week;
month(s)
: > : due to breaking.
: >
: > That usually happens when people by cheaply made products.
: >
: >
: >
T
Twayne
Yup, you're all set to go from the sound of it!
Some inline comments:
Sorry. I was trying to cover all the bases and I see now it wasn't
necessary.
Nope, from what you've said, it's ready to use! Go ahead and start
filling it up.
Which does remind me of another piece of advice: Get into the habit of
unplugging telephone and power wires to the computer during
thunder/lightning storms if you don't already. That way everything is
protected from a nearby or even a direct lightning hit to the outside
wires or the building.
If you have all underground power and phone wiring (not on telephone
poles) you're probably pretty safe from most of that, but it's still a
good idea even then.
Also, it's useful to burn at least one backup to a set of DVDs/CDs
just in case something happens someday to trash the whole computer
(lightning, fire, whatever). I do so monthly but it sounds like maybe
every few months might be plenty for you. It's protection against
something that may never happen, but it's great to have when "something"
does happen<g>.
That wiki link on backups is probably the best explanation of all the
backup terminiology and what it all means, etc..
That's because, mainly, when a disk is formatted, it puts down "sector
marks" on the disk and creates default tables to use. It's part of the
format process and does use some disk space. Mfg's of drives can't tell
you exactly how much space you will get becuase it is dependent on the
operating system and a lot of other things. There is even a little
space set aside for the operating system itself to use. So what you see
there is perfectly normal; no worry, and it's typical. I just checked
my 500 Gig drive and it also reports 465 Gig of usable space.
Sure sound like it! Happy drive day!
Twayne
Some inline comments:
Brand is SimpleTech (as I indicated) the info is a cut and paste from
their manual.
I'm not sure about the rest of your reply (over my head) lol. "XP CAN
have a need for FAT formatted partitions, and if it does, and this is
your computer, you would know it".
Sorry. I was trying to cover all the bases and I see now it wasn't
necessary.
When I turn it on it's straight forward and seems ready to use. Just
wasn't sure if I had to format it (like it indicates) unless I'm
reading it wrong ha ha.
Nope, from what you've said, it's ready to use! Go ahead and start
filling it up.
Which does remind me of another piece of advice: Get into the habit of
unplugging telephone and power wires to the computer during
thunder/lightning storms if you don't already. That way everything is
protected from a nearby or even a direct lightning hit to the outside
wires or the building.
If you have all underground power and phone wiring (not on telephone
poles) you're probably pretty safe from most of that, but it's still a
good idea even then.
Also, it's useful to burn at least one backup to a set of DVDs/CDs
just in case something happens someday to trash the whole computer
(lightning, fire, whatever). I do so monthly but it sounds like maybe
every few months might be plenty for you. It's protection against
something that may never happen, but it's great to have when "something"
does happen<g>.
That wiki link on backups is probably the best explanation of all the
backup terminiology and what it all means, etc..
Hey What I noticed is when I turn it on and check the properties of
the drive; (right mouse click properties) it only shows 465 GB
available and 211 GB used. I haven't used it yet. It has 500GB. This
doesn't add up. What is that all about?
That's because, mainly, when a disk is formatted, it puts down "sector
marks" on the disk and creates default tables to use. It's part of the
format process and does use some disk space. Mfg's of drives can't tell
you exactly how much space you will get becuase it is dependent on the
operating system and a lot of other things. There is even a little
space set aside for the operating system itself to use. So what you see
there is perfectly normal; no worry, and it's typical. I just checked
my 500 Gig drive and it also reports 465 Gig of usable space.
Ok I guess I can just use it and not worry about the formatting thing.
Sure sound like it! Happy drive day!
Twayne
T
Twayne
Terry |R spewed:
....
And the occasional instance where XP et al may use a program that
needs/expects a FAT structure. Rare, but they exist. It's just a case
of covering all the base at the point of know knowing an OP's expertise
level.
See above.
I don't know what you're on about, but the statement also includes XP
and Vista being FAT32, if you want to look back at the snipped portion.
If not, I'll stand corrected, but ... I'm pretty sure even without
looking back.
instead of ignoring the OP and commenting to me, you would be better off
putting your energies into helping the OP. You sound more like a
childish neighborhood bully/kook than one with any interest in helping
those with questions.
Twayne
....
W2k uses NTFS also, so the only reason for a FAT32 partition is for
Win9x and earlier or Me.
And the occasional instance where XP et al may use a program that
needs/expects a FAT structure. Rare, but they exist. It's just a case
of covering all the base at the point of know knowing an OP's expertise
level.
What NEED is that? I'm not aware of ANY need XP has for a FAT
formatted partition. Even if the drive is formatted for FAT32 for XP,
it can still read and write NTFS.
See above.
No MIGHT about it, and there's no typo. If someone is going to back
up a Win9x or Me partition, they would HAVE to have it formatted
FAT32, unless they pay for a utility that allows those programs to
read and write to NTFS.
I don't know what you're on about, but the statement also includes XP
and Vista being FAT32, if you want to look back at the snipped portion.
If not, I'll stand corrected, but ... I'm pretty sure even without
looking back.
instead of ignoring the OP and commenting to me, you would be better off
putting your energies into helping the OP. You sound more like a
childish neighborhood bully/kook than one with any interest in helping
those with questions.
Twayne
T
Twayne
Ok thanks; well the more I read the more confused I get LOL seems
Usually a disk drive will come with a "cloning" program that takes
everythng on your current disk and makes an exact copy of it to another
(the new) disk.
I bought my WD Ebook directly from WD during a sale and it came with
no software at all, just a manual about the drive and verbiage about how
to use it. But I knew that before I paid for it, so it was OK with me.
The manual however did include a para about how to download the cloning
program from their site, so they did cover it off. Perhaps yours does
too?
I was going to give you the link from the manual but I can't find the
manual right now.
Cheers,
Twayne
everyone has a complaint about one or the other external HD so I
guess I'll stick with this one.
What I didn't realize is that the software it comes with doesn't do a
full system back up (from what I've read on CNET).
Usually a disk drive will come with a "cloning" program that takes
everythng on your current disk and makes an exact copy of it to another
(the new) disk.
I bought my WD Ebook directly from WD during a sale and it came with
no software at all, just a manual about the drive and verbiage about how
to use it. But I knew that before I paid for it, so it was OK with me.
The manual however did include a para about how to download the cloning
program from their site, so they did cover it off. Perhaps yours does
too?
I was going to give you the link from the manual but I can't find the
manual right now.
Cheers,
Twayne
J
John John (MVP)
Twayne said:Terry |R spewed:
...
And the occasional instance where XP et al may use a program that
needs/expects a FAT structure. Rare, but they exist.
And other than some boot managers what might those be? If they
absolutely need FAT32 then they will absolutely need to use Windows 9x
because NT operating systems do not allow direct access to the disk and
file table.
John
L
LisaB
Did that.
http://brainstormsandraves.com/mobile/20080101.213651.shtml
This is my concern. The thing breaks down; I have to return it and they have
all my files. Think I should have got a cheap pendrive and take my chances
that way; if it breaks I destroy it and only out $40...........Ok so I've
concluded I'm returning it.
Please advise: Seeing that I've plugged it in and opened up the pdf file
manual; is it safe that NOTHING from my computer is on this external HD? (ya
maybe a stupid question lol).
Thanks
LisaB
http://brainstormsandraves.com/mobile/20080101.213651.shtml
This is my concern. The thing breaks down; I have to return it and they have
all my files. Think I should have got a cheap pendrive and take my chances
that way; if it breaks I destroy it and only out $40...........Ok so I've
concluded I'm returning it.
Please advise: Seeing that I've plugged it in and opened up the pdf file
manual; is it safe that NOTHING from my computer is on this external HD? (ya
maybe a stupid question lol).
Thanks
LisaB
L
LisaB
Ok thanks; I'm sounding crazy on this now ha. Was worked up to return it; now
I'm keeping it. It has an off switch which is great; I'll probably only do a
back up once a month and turn it off. Thanks for the power outage tips. I
have a battery back up and yes we have the telephone poles vs underground.
Thanks again.
LisaB
I'm keeping it. It has an off switch which is great; I'll probably only do a
back up once a month and turn it off. Thanks for the power outage tips. I
have a battery back up and yes we have the telephone poles vs underground.
Thanks again.
LisaB
T
Terry R.
The date and time was 11/12/2008 7:46 AM, and on a whim, LisaB pounded
out on the keyboard:
Hi Lisa,
The drive you purchased is a more reliable media than a flash drive.
But ANY drive is subject to failure. That's why I have 3 drives in my
workstation and 3 different external drives for alternating backups.
The biggest issue with external drives in my opinion is don't keep them
running. Plug them in, do your backup, and unplug it. Heat is a killer
to hard drives and most external cases don't offer enough ventilation.
And if your data is very valuable to you, back it up to more than one
drive. Then is one fails, you have the other. As the saying goes, it's
not IF it happens, but WHEN.
--
Terry R.
***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
out on the keyboard:
You have all been very helpful and yes somewhat comfusing at times LOL.
Now what I find confusing is: I go and buy this exteral harddrive being told
they are better then flashdrive pens and now I read so many reivews (all
brands) saying they had to return their External HD after a week; month(s)
due to breaking. So I'm thinking hmmm we put all our personal info on this
thing and if he breaks under warrenty; we return it to the store and hope
they trash it? clean it? keep our files?
How does this work?
THANKS!
LisaB
Hi Lisa,
The drive you purchased is a more reliable media than a flash drive.
But ANY drive is subject to failure. That's why I have 3 drives in my
workstation and 3 different external drives for alternating backups.
The biggest issue with external drives in my opinion is don't keep them
running. Plug them in, do your backup, and unplug it. Heat is a killer
to hard drives and most external cases don't offer enough ventilation.
And if your data is very valuable to you, back it up to more than one
drive. Then is one fails, you have the other. As the saying goes, it's
not IF it happens, but WHEN.
--
Terry R.
***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
T
Terry R.
The date and time was 11/12/2008 10:43 AM, and on a whim, LisaB pounded
out on the keyboard:
Lisa,
If you haven't copied files to it using a backup program or even Windows
Explorer, you have no data on it.
Don't think about using a flash drive for data backups. They're more
for convenience, not reliability.
--
Terry R.
***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
out on the keyboard:
Did that.
http://brainstormsandraves.com/mobile/20080101.213651.shtml
This is my concern. The thing breaks down; I have to return it and they have
all my files. Think I should have got a cheap pendrive and take my chances
that way; if it breaks I destroy it and only out $40...........Ok so I've
concluded I'm returning it.
Please advise: Seeing that I've plugged it in and opened up the pdf file
manual; is it safe that NOTHING from my computer is on this external HD? (ya
maybe a stupid question lol).
Thanks
LisaB
Lisa,
If you haven't copied files to it using a backup program or even Windows
Explorer, you have no data on it.
Don't think about using a flash drive for data backups. They're more
for convenience, not reliability.
--
Terry R.
***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
T
Terry R.
The date and time was 11/12/2008 9:25 AM, and on a whim, Twayne pounded
out on the keyboard:
Could you give any examples? I've NEVER seen this. And the only reason
I questioned you is for the OP, which only made things more confusing.
And she was also confused by it, and stated so.
I was putting my suggestions in clarifying your comments. You went off
on talking about things that only confused her, and some of those
weren't correct, which would confuse anyone who didn't have the
understanding.
Keep your name calling down, unless you're 100% correct 100% of the time.
--
Terry R.
***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
out on the keyboard:
Terry |R spewed:
...
And the occasional instance where XP et al may use a program that
needs/expects a FAT structure. Rare, but they exist. It's just a case
of covering all the base at the point of know knowing an OP's expertise
level.
Could you give any examples? I've NEVER seen this. And the only reason
I questioned you is for the OP, which only made things more confusing.
And she was also confused by it, and stated so.
See above.
I don't know what you're on about, but the statement also includes XP
and Vista being FAT32, if you want to look back at the snipped portion.
If not, I'll stand corrected, but ... I'm pretty sure even without
looking back.
instead of ignoring the OP and commenting to me, you would be better off
putting your energies into helping the OP. You sound more like a
childish neighborhood bully/kook than one with any interest in helping
those with questions.
Twayne
I was putting my suggestions in clarifying your comments. You went off
on talking about things that only confused her, and some of those
weren't correct, which would confuse anyone who didn't have the
understanding.
Keep your name calling down, unless you're 100% correct 100% of the time.
--
Terry R.
***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
K
Ken Blake
Ok thanks; I'm sounding crazy on this now ha. Was worked up to return it;
now
I'm keeping it. It has an off switch which is great;
You're going to keep an external drive used for backup connected but turned
off? I think that's a poor plan. It leaves you vulnerable to theft of the
computer as well as to damage caused by severe power glitches or
thunderstorms.
A much better plan is disconnecting it when you're not using it, and storing
it away from the computer.
I'll probably only do a
back up once a month and turn it off.
How often you should do a backup depends on your practices--primarily how
volatile your data is. I can't tell you what you should do, but for most
people, once a month is nowhere near often enough. You should think of what
your situation would be if your computer's drive failed 29 days after the
last backup. You would have to restore from the backup and would lose
everything that had happened during those 29 days. Is that OK with you? If
not, back up more frequently.
For most people, I think backing up either daily or weekly is the best thing
to do.
L
LisaB
LOL typo meant 100 GB
LisaB
LisaB
LisaB said:Ok well seeing that I bought 500GB and my computer (5 years old) is ony 1GB
lol I guess I'll have no problems backing up my folks computer (not saying
I'm going to; just wondered if I could). My pic folders will increase and
music; and they take up most of the space along with some games. This is a
home computer. I have some websites I created (for fun) and stuff. I would
like a copy of the entire system. I'm really new at this backing up and I'm
good at doing things on the computer and bad at the lingo lol.
Thanks
LisaB
L
LisaB
Well it's a home computer and unless I'm loading new pics there really is
nothing to back up. I use it mainly for surfing the net.
Can you clarify please "You're going to keep an external drive used for
backup connected but turned off? I think that's a poor plan. It leaves you
vulnerable to theft of the computer"
Thanks; I'm learning lots that's for sure!
LisaB
nothing to back up. I use it mainly for surfing the net.
Can you clarify please "You're going to keep an external drive used for
backup connected but turned off? I think that's a poor plan. It leaves you
vulnerable to theft of the computer"
Thanks; I'm learning lots that's for sure!
LisaB
K
Ken Blake
Well it's a home computer and unless I'm loading new pics there really is
nothing to back up. I use it mainly for surfing the net.
OK, then once a month may be fine for you. Because I knew nothing about how
you used your computer I said "How often you should do a backup depends on
your practices--primarily how volatile your data is."
Also, let me add that if all you do is surf the net, you may not really need
to back up at all, or you may simply want to back up something very small,
like your favorites, to a thumb drive.
Can you clarify please "You're going to keep an external drive used for
backup connected but turned off? I think that's a poor plan. It leaves you
vulnerable to theft of the computer"
Sure. The issue is that you should be protected against the possibillity of
losing the original and the backup to the same event. Backing up to an
internal drive doesn't protect you against theft of the computer, nearby
lightning strikes, etc, and a permanently connected external drive is almost
exactly like an internal in that regard.