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anonymous 25 February 2004

Hi all,

I'm looking for a good, general backup program for PC (winxp) that can burn to CD, but that can also stream an entire backup session over multiple CDs, CD-RWs or DVDs. For example, If I had a 17 gigabyte project (and yes, I do) - I'd like to be able to backup the whole project without sorting through folders and trying to fit 700MB of stuff on each CD. I need a program that will just stream the whole thing over to, say, 30 CD-RWs or the like.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

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MisterBlue Wed, 02/25/2004 - 17:02

I would seriously consider an external hard disk (USB2.0) for "daily backups" (disconnect it afterwards to eliminate the chance of electrical damage in case of power spikes etc.). It's fast, easy and inexpensive.

To archive on optical media I would not hesitate and get a DVD+RW if your projects have a certain size. If you are talking about 30 CD-R's you are definitely a candidate ...

OK, I know, this is not really your question.

WinXP has it's own backup program that is hidden on the installation CD and NOT automatically installed. I believe it is called MSBackup.exe or similar. It is reasonably configurable and it's free. You can generate scripts to backup whole directories or just individual files. Whole data sets or only differentials (stuff that changed since the last full backup).

I also swear by PowerQuest DriveImage which is a great program to backup whole partitions - including EVERYTHING. you can't select subsets of files, but it is reasonably fast and works very well. You can also tell it to divvy up the files into a specific file size so you can burn it to CD or DVD afterwards.
It's a life saver if you have any kind of issue with your installation - just revert to a saved image and you're back in business. Takes all but a few minutes (... depending on the size of your partition of course).

Between the Microsoft backup and DriveImage I am fully covered.

Just my opinion,

MisterBlue.

anonymous Thu, 02/26/2004 - 05:46

Thanks MisterBlue,

I'll dig for the Backup program on the XP cd and try it out. I know that a DVD+-RW is a good investment and they're getting to be as low as $70, but either way, I'll need a program that can stream a backup session to various DVD's as well.

Again, thanks for the info - much appreciated.

Steve

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