Hi guys,

I've used D-A-L for quite a while now, and it has always been a great resource for me... so, Thanks!

For the last few months, I've been contemplating what is the best way to manage the data on my Hard Drive.

Here is my situation:

1) I have a laptop with an 100 GB HD, that is more than 2 years old. It still works great, but due to the age, I want to be more prepared in the case of a HD failure, or other problem. I've downloaded a lot of stuff, and I usually burn it to DVDs or CDs, so I have a lot of overwriting on the HD, and I generally have about 25 - 30 GB free space on the Drive.

2) I generally back up my documents, files, ect. to CD or DVD. I do this about once a month, and only for files that I've worked with, new files, etc. I don't do a complete backup... just the stuff that I wouldn't want to lose if my HD crashed.

3) About 130 Mgbs are being used for programs, the rest is split about half and half with music files and pictures, with an addition 5% going to documents (word, excel, publisher, ect.)

Here is what I'm thinking of doing:
I was considering to get an external HD (about 300GB) that I could use to back up the computer, as well as a storage place for files which I don't really need when I'm travelling (about half the music, and most of the pictures).

What I would like to know:
1) Is is a good idea to have an external HD that is used as both a backup, and extra storage place for files? I'm guessing that it should be partitioned.

2) What kind of external HD is recommended? I've been looking primarily at Western Digital or Seagate external drives in the $100 / 250 - 350 GB range. I think that speed is not a major issue.

3) I use a wireless router, would it be possible to route the HD through the thier and connect that way, or is USB generally the only option?

4) Do I really need extra software for backing up my computer? Is it recommended? If so, can you recomend some? What are the best and or most economical (cheapest) routes for backing up my HD?

5) Anyother useful tips for data management and backing up a HD.

Thanks for your time. I also thought that I might be able to take this info and make it into a guide for the d-a-l website. I know that most people don't actively backup their HD, and a big reason is that it is difficult to understand how to do it, and what is needed and to find the best and most cost effective way to do it.

Gratefully,
Hrabil

first of all do you have any spear hard drives lying about because if you do then you could buy an external case and make your own external hardrive.

Sorry, I don't have any spare drives lying around. Any other suggestions? I guess I'm looking more to learn about the process of having an external HD for backup / storage.

Thanks,
Ross

Hrabil,

Did you ever figure out your backup situation? I'm setting up the backup for my desktop and have purchased an external HD. I'm thinking of mirroring the desktop HD to the external HD, but I'm not sure what software to use. I own Ghost 10 and use Vista. So I'm deciding between the internal Vista backup and Ghost.

What did you end up doing?

Thanks.,
Barbara

Hi Hrabil, I use a laptop myself, with an external HD. External HD's aren't that expencive these days (mine was about $60 for 160GB lacie mobile), and some (mine did) come with synchronising software (automated backup of specified files/folders). I find it very usefull. I would recommend getting one, especially considering your HD's old age.
Hope this helped.

I actually just got back from the states, and I got a 250GB Backup drive (seagate my book I think). Anyway, I want to do the back up, and to reformat my HD this weekend. Anyway recommendations from anyone? Are there any good freewares or other programs that can help?

Thanks for any advice! H.

After reformatting, and tunning up your computer to your likening, get free imaging program DriveImage XML: http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm, and put the image on your external HD.
In case, something happens with your primary HD, you're good to go with your image.

I was looking at the program syncback as well. I've never actually reformatted a drive before. I assume that I should create a drive image or backup before I do that... just in case. I also am worried that my liscenses for programs might get lost (from ones that I downloaded and bought the liscense to.) How can I make sure that I don't loose those liscenses?

Thanks for the imput,
H.

You won't loose any licenses. Image is the EXACT copy of your hard drive.

I set up my backup procedure recently. Early in this tread I asked about backup programs. I ended up buying Ghost 12, because it works with Vista. I bought it at Fry's and the cost was free with a rebate. Seems to be working fine.