Backing up data.

[RED-DOG]

Is there a simple way to back up new data from my computer hard-drive to some other medium?

At the moment all my stuff is backed up apart from new stuff from the last couple of weeks. The trouble is, I now have to remember what's new, and where I put it before I can transfer it to my backup drive.

I'm sure there must be a better way. Something where I can just tell the computer to just copy the new stuff since last time?

Any help much appreciated. (Especially dumbed-down help).

I'm using XP btw.

[kinboshi]

There are definitely programs you can get (not expensive), that will automatically backup folders you specify on a regular basis.

An ideal system is to have a NAS (a storage drive that sits on your network) and your data can be automatically backed up to it on a daily basis. Or something like that.

[kinboshi]

There is the built in XP backup facility, but not sure how user-friendly it is:

 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308422

[RED-DOG]

There are definitely programs you can get (not expensive), that will automatically backup folders you specify on a regular basis.

An ideal system is to have a NAS (a storage drive that sits on your network) and your data can be automatically backed up to it on a daily basis. Or something like that.

If I have to specify the folders, that means I have to remember what and where they are Dan. I might as well move them at the same time.

6 new word documents stored in 'My documents' 30 photographs stored in 'My pictures' a few new mp3's in 'My music' a video clip in... well, you get the idea.

[kinboshi]

What you'd do is specify specific folders once, My Documents for example (and any sub-folders). Then what the backup software would do is look for changes in that folder and back it up to the destination folder automatically without you having to do anything.

So as long as you store your files in the same folders all the time, you'll know that they're all being backed up automatically every day.

There are also online services for this so your files can be backed up in the same manner, but to the 'cloud'. Benefits of this is that your files are off site and you can get them from anywhere (with your login), but you have to trust the service you're using of course.

[RED-DOG]

There is the built in XP backup facility, but not sure how user-friendly it is:

 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308422

My version is XP Professional (Lol)

I'm scared. I need someone in the control tower to keep me calm and talk me through the procedures.

[tikay]

I'm here for you, Tom.

[kinboshi]

Better buying a third party program I think. Much easier to use.

[RED-DOG]

What you'd do is specify specific folders once, My Documents for example (and any sub-folders). Then what the backup software would do is look for changes in that folder and back it up to the destination folder automatically without you having to do anything.

So as long as you store your files in the same folders all the time, you'll know that they're all being backed up automatically every day.

There are also online services for this so your files can be backed up in the same manner, but to the 'cloud'. Benefits of this is that your files are off site and you can get them from anywhere (with your login), but you have to trust the service you're using of course.

I wouldn't want it to back up every day. That would mean leaving the backup storage device connected. I just want it to do it when I ask it to.

Don't fancy the online service. I don't trust anyone I can't arrange to meet.

[RED-DOG]

I'm here for you, Tom.

Thanks Tone. You owe me a new keyboard.

[kinboshi]

You don't have to do it everyday. You can schedule the backup how you want, and could even have it backup when you hit a button manually instead of on a scheduled basis. Or both (and if the backup drive isn't connected the scheduled backup won't run until next time).

These programs will work how you want them to.

Here are some to maybe consider (it's trying to sell Nova backup, but lists other popular ones):

 http://data-backup-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Hopefully, someone on here can recommend one they've used.

[RED-DOG]

You don't have to do it everyday. You can schedule the backup how you want, and could even have it backup when you hit a button manually instead of on a scheduled basis. Or both (and if the backup drive isn't connected the scheduled backup won't run until next time).

These programs will work how you want them to.

Here are some to maybe consider (it's trying to sell Nova backup, but lists other popular ones):

 http://data-backup-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Hopefully, someone on here can recommend one they've used.

Blimey. They're expensive. Especially if I find them too complicated to use after I've bought one.


I assumed it was a simple task that I didn't know how to perform. Now I know that's not the case,  I'll probably try to come up with a home-made solution.

Perhaps if I put all new stuff into a 'Not yet backed up' folder?

[kinboshi]

£40 for all your important files backed up automatically and worry free.  Doesn't sound too expensive. 

There are also freeware programs that do it as well.

Maybe someone who uses one will recommend.

[tikay]

£40 for all your important files backed up automatically and worry free.  Doesn't sound too expensive. 

There are also freeware programs that do it as well.

Maybe someone who uses one will recommend.

You've not met Mrs Red, one assumes?

[ManuelsMum]

http://www.gfi.com/pages/backup-freeware.asp

[X] Free
[X] Backup
[X] Synchronization (watches for changes without you telling it, the thing you were talking about up there)
[X] Optional masks (so you can tell it what not to bother syncing)
[X] Scheduled (so you don't have to remember to do it)


There's also EaseUS Todo Freeware, has no free sync though, nice interface for system cloning.