Backup Program for Vista

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Hello,

I use Windows Vista Ultimate and am looking for a backup program that will automatically backup my files (scattered in various folders) to an external hard drive.

I’d like to run a full backup once a week (not an image of my hard drive but of selected files therein), and every day in-between run a backup that synchronizes selected files on my hard drive with their counterparts on my external hard drive.

Any recommendations? Thanks so much.

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Do you mean a differential backup or do you really mean synchronization?

Joe

--Joe

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Hi Joe: Thanks for your response. Unfortunately, I can’t answer your question, since I don’t know the difference. Can you explain? Thanks a lot.

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Well, generally backups are copies of data to be used for disaster recovery. How you define disaster recoveruy is up to you. Synchronization is keeping two sets of data on different devices the same at a certain point in time so you can access the data on either device. You often see this with e-mail and contacts being synched between a desktop PC and a notebook PC or smartphone.

Joe

--Joe

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Thanks, Joe. This clarifies things. Now that I understand the difference, here’s what I think I’d like a backup program to do: Synchronize my data once a day.

And just to clarify, I’d like to select certain files and folders to be synchronized, rather than synchronizing my entire hard drive.

Others in this thread have recommended Karen’s Replicator and Jcopy. Anyone know if either of these programs can execute synchronization in the manner I’ve laid out above?

Thanks so much.

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What I’m having trouble with and don’t know for sure if you understand is the “synchronize my data” concept (meaning ONLY selected files and folders) which the suggested programs to in excellent fashion and your reluctance to talk about doing the WHOLE drive, including operating system, settings, etc. etc.

Your strategy is to use an external hard drive for the destination and that works perfectly in disk imaging as opposed to synchronization. I run ShadowProtect once each week to make an image of an entire hard drive that can be restored in MINUTES if the drive crashes or has to be replaced. The running of this image takes no more than 30 minutes, is easy to do and the INDIVIDUAL files you might need can be recalled, also in a matter of minutes. I’ve done it hundreds of times.

I also run, with ShadowProtect, a nightly incremental image of any files that have changed THAT DAY and that overnight takes less than ONE MINUTE to backup any files that have changed on that day.

Why would you want to “fool with” anything less?

ShadowProtect: Data backup software, online server backup, disaster recovery software, drive image backup, bare metal restore solutions by StorageCraft

TrueImage: Complete hard disk recovery solution, backup, drive copy, clone and image computer software

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I have tried using Acronis TrueImage to do daily incremental backups, and I was not happy with the results.

The size of the incremental files that Acronis created were WAY too big. If you use a disk defragmenter, then Acronis will back up any file that is located in different sectors – even if the data in the file did not change.

I now create a new complete Acronis image file each week. I use Jcopy to do any incremental backups I need.

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It’s a well known bit of info that using a disk defragmenter during an incremental backup “period” will cause the problem you mention. All one has to remember is to do any defragging you’re going to do BEFORE starting the schedule for incrementals. That’s what I do using ShadowProtect.

I backup two drives (XP and Vista), creating the full image on Saturday and nightly incrementals each nite. At the end of the week, the aggregate size of all the 14 files is less than 40 gigabytes, which is acceptable to me, stored on a 500 gig external USB drive.

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Hi Al,

Thanks for your detailed response. I’m not sure I understand all your points, but perhaps some explanation on my part will help to clarify things.

I prefer synchronization over incremental backups (if I understand these terms correctly) for three reasons.

1. Windows’s System Restore already conducts regular image backups.

2. While it’s helpful to have a third-party image backup (e.g., to keep track of which programs I’ve installed, to make restoration easy, to retain program preferences), I frequently install programs that I later uninstall but never are fully removed (haven’t we all experienced this? .

3. In the case of a system crash, I’d rather not restore corrupted data.

Accordingly, if I need to rely on my backup, I’d prefer to install a clean version of Windows and manually copy over the specific files I need. Yes, my way is more time-consuming, but it gives me more control.

As for “fooling with anything less” than images and incrementals, I plan to back-up not only to an external hard drive but also to a remote server.

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Jon, I would be hesitant to rely on Windows System restore. It does not do image backups – it only stores a snapshot of the registry. And the few times I tried to use it, it did not fix anything. hence my use of Acronis to create weekly backup images.

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Your reasons are not correct.

1.) System Restore does not make an image backup. It is to help you recover from installing some program or driver that does not work correctly. See What is System Restore? – Windows Vista Help for more information.

2.) Leaving program remnants behind is NOT a good reason to not have an image backup. If you are having difficulties with remnants of programs being left behind see Revo Uninstaller Freeware – Uninstall Software, Remove Programs, Solve uninstall problems for a tool that may help. The point of an image backup is not necessairly to restore your PC to a pristine condition but to restore it to a KNOWN state. After restoring an image it is not unusual to have to do some cleanup/catchup.

3.) There is no guarantee that you won’t restore corrupted data no matter what backup method you use.

Don’t underestimate the amount of time & effort to reinstall Windows, apply all the service packs and patches since you obtained your Windows copy, reinstall all of your programs, apply all service packs and patches, re-configure Windows & your programs as required. Then you’ll be ready to restore your data.

All that said, if you still want to do it the way you’ve outlined then have at it. Just make sure the files you need are being backed up.

Joe

--Joe

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Hei,

In reading this series about Vista file backup can I ask what is wrong with the Microsoft installed backup programme. Its all I use so am I at risk?

Ron

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The capabilities of the backup program vary by Vista version. What version of Vista are you running?

If you have CDs/DVDs of your installed programs (or access to the installation files) and have your data backed up you should be fine. Backing up your data is the MOST important thing. That is what can’t be replaced. What risk do you think you might be running?

Joe

--Joe

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Hei Joe,
Thanks for your reply. I use Vista Home Premium and each month I save to cd/dvd using the ‘built in’ Vista backup programme. This I think backups my folders etc … but I am told that it does not backup software programmes installed eg the Vista operating system withSP1 etc … does anything – how do I backup software programmes? My HP has an inbuilt recovery disc but this is only ‘as was’ when I purchased it eg no Vista SP1 update etc. In addition I also do another file/folder backup to cd/dvd using the Roxio Creator programme. I don’t understand a lot about the difference but am ‘playing safe!’ Do you thing I am doing enough?
Ron

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You are correct in that the Vista Home Premium backup only backs up your data. That is the most important part to be sure. The only way to safely backup your installed programs and settings is with imaging software. You have choices there. You could upgrade to Vista Ultimate and use its builtin backup software. Or you can use a third part imaging tool such as Acronis TrueImage Home or StorageCraft – Shadowprotect or others. You can search the Internet for other third party solutions and find reviews of them also.

Most of the Loungers would say that an imaging solution is the best way to go. However, only you can say whether or not you are doing enough.

Joe

--Joe

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Thanks Joe for clearing up this issue for me.
I will take a look at who distributes Acronis in Norway …sounds a really good idea. Are these imaging softwares OK for us of limited knowledge to understand and operate?
Ron

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Meant to also ask Joe …. If I buy this imaging software what else do I need to purchase? Do I need for example an external hard disc to save the image onto or does the software do this ‘itself’? I have had a bit of a read but this point is not that clear to me.Must be age!
Thanks Ron

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One reason for making image backups is to recover from severe disc corruption. So it is wise to store at least some backups on other media, and USB hard drives are faster and probably more reliable than DVDs.

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I found TrueImage easy to use. But your experience may be different. BTW, I no longer use TrueImage. So, others may want to comment about TI or ShadowProtect. I’ve acquired a Windows Home Server which will automatically backup other PCs (up to 10) in my home network.

Your backup regime should include some sort of external media. An external disk drive is preferable because they are large, fast, reliable, & relatively cheap.

Joe

--Joe

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Hello Joe and all the others who took the time to help to ‘straighten me out’. One final question if I may endulge …
My HP Notebook has a hard drive of about 120Gb. Given that Acronis compresses the transfer from disc to external device, what size of external device would I need? Hope this makes sense … I could not find this online in the software information.
Ron

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TI and SP have different levels of compression. SP makes data files of my stuff that is “about” 75% of the size of the data and I use the standard compression. However, don’t let THAT be your guage for how large an external drive to buy. Get the largest one that your pocketbook can handle and whose size doesn’t seem unreasonably large. For example I chose to buy recently a couple of 500 gig USB drives because the price was good and I (somehow) couldn’t fathom drives in the terabyte realm.

You can keep MORE then one image around, just in case.

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Hei all who are assisting me in this backup matter,
I have downloaded the two User Guides (True Image and Shadow Protect) and both seem to be quite complex. Can I ask the experts which, in their opinion, is the easiest to use by one of limited knowledge?

Ron

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I won’t call myself an expert but I have used both programs for quite some time and they’re not as difficult as the interface may make you think. It comes down to choosing to make an image, picking which partition you want to make the backup for, where you want to save the backup file, and a few other things. Many of the other choices you can leave at the suggested default such as how much compression and whether you want the backup password protected, and so on.

I think both programs function in a similar manner, but I admit I haven’t used the last couple of versions of True Image so I don’t know if they’ve changed the GUI very much.

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Thanks Al,
Can I ask which one you have chosen? (I think its ShadowProtect you mentioned elsewhere).
The various writeups/reviews sort of suggest that Shadowprotect is the simplest though not offering all that Trueimage has … but I don’t need lots of ‘bells and whistles’!
Ron

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I used True Image for quite some time. In one of the versions, and now I can’t remember which, I was having trouble getting my scheduled incremental backups to work and it happened to be at about the time that Shadow Protect was getting a little discussion here in The Lounge. So, I gave SP a spin, was a little troubled at the outset, but got things worked out to my satisfaction and have been using SP daily ever since. I do a full image backup once a week and incrementals every night of both a Vista and XP partition. I have done full restores of Vista several times and selected file restores a number of times for both XP and Vista and have not had any trouble with Shadow Protect.

Now, as peterg has said, True Image sells for single license at $50 and Shadow Protect for $80 but the price difference was worth it.

I try very hard not to “knock” any products, but be sure you’re careful and read as many threads here as you need to with Lounge searches. There are some Loungers who are not too happy with the latest True Image version, so the old “buyer beware” may be in order.

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I am sticking with Acronis for now, mainly because I only use the basic features. I was also disappointed with how their incremental backups “work”, but I decided that doing routine full backups is a better idea.

I recently helped several people set up routine weekly backups using the new Acronis TI Home 2009. The interface is noticeably different than version 11.

I show a few screens of the interface for both versions on my website:
Acronis 2009 – opening screen
Acronis 2009 – Backup options
Acronis 11 – opening screen
Acronis 11 – Backup options

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Thanks Big Al and all of you for helping out this semi computer literate pensioner!
Acronis True Image has a Norwegian reseller so I think I will give this one a go even though I realise that you only download the software online … does it then matter where the supplier is! Shadow Protect from Storage Craft does not seem to be available via a local reseller in Norway.
When it comes down to external hard drives I am looking at Western Digital (My Passport Essential) as the solution to ‘clone’ my laptop hard disc. It seems to have lots of ‘software’ eg Google stuff which I don’t want so I assume?? I can choose not to instal it at initial start-up? One gets fed up with some pushy software suppliers who seem intent on ‘reprogramming’ how your pc works!
My 18 month old HP 6500 series has a hard disc of 120Gb (more than enough for my modest needs) so is it OK to connect say an external 320Gb hard disc? My laptop uses Vista Home Premium and has a Processor Intel® Core(tm)2 Duo CPU T7100 @ 1.80GHz … whatever that means. I have read somewhere that an incorrect external HD can ‘stuff up’ the pc.
Heck … this is a fast learning curve for a ‘senior citizen’!
Ron

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Ron, when you purchase Acronis TI 2009, they give you a download link and a serial number. Due to problems with piracy (I assume), what you download is a fairly BUGGY version of the program! Don’t bother downloading (or installing) that EXE file.

You MUST create an account at the Acronis web site. Then you can register your software by entering the serial number. The “my Acronis software” page lists your registered software, and shows any updates. This has a link so you can download the bug-free version. When you install it, you should enter the serial number.

I also use the WD My Passport Essential external drive for my backups. You don’t need to install any of software that comes on the drive. I moved the files from the root directory into a new “WD-stuff” folder.

You should have no problems with the external USB hard drive. If you are running any antivirus / antispyware software, you may want to change the settings so it does not scan anything on the external hard drive. I did that, since the scans of my internal hard drives already take hours.

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This is not a two-horse race, so here are a few links to spice it up. Acronis 2009 appears to get rave reviews from at least one source, and the rave review of ShadowProtect is here as well. Some others aren’t here, but you can perform your own searches for reviews and keep us posted on developments, or changes in assessment. As for me, I am now running Windows Complete PC Backup Image, which I had all along but had somehow messed up. One limitation for those who are considering it is that it requires a lot of free space on the system drive.
TopTenReviews
PCMagImaging
PCMagShadowProtect

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Very good links and quite timely of you to put ’em in here for this thread and posterity! Thanks…

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Download either or both of the free trial versions and try the programs yourself. The trials are only time-limited.

I suggest caution when it comes to price, because these programs are licenced by computer. If you get a second computer to go with your present computer and want the backup on each, the final price will be double, and at the time I bought ShadowProtect complete with CD and shipping, the final price was $110. Yes, I have more than one computer, and with ShadowProtect the single-computer limit is enforced, as I discovered when I went to another city, leaving computer #1 in mothballs, and tried to install it on a new computer. (We resolved it with a phone call.)

You have a laptop, and a 500 GB external hard drive with power supply may weigh more than the computer and be more than you care to take on the road with you. If you get a portable hard drive, then you should know a bit about where the power comes from. (The mysterious second cable is to make the device backward-compatible with USB 1.1, and if your computer is reasonably modern you can forget it.)

If nothing is plugged into a wall socket, then the computer and all its peripherals are getting their power from your computer battery. If you have a hub with a power supply, then peripherals connected to that can get their power there so long as they do not exceed the limit. (A 500 GB external drive will typically have its own power supply and wall plug.) To run a backup from a laptop to a portable external drive, I suggest you have the computer’s power supply plugged in, and let that supply both computer and external drive (via USB cable).

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Just to add to what Joe and Jefferson have said… If you search The Lounge for True Image (TrueImage) or Shadow Protect (ShadowProtect) you’ll find lots of favorable comments from many Loungers, including me. USB external drives (I too think) are inexpensive and more reliable than CDs and so the “media” of choice for me. Both products are easy to use and fast; they will restore an ENTIRE drive or selected individual files in nothing flat and far outweigh the included Windows backup programs.

PS The reason for the “duplicte” spelling is that both products are sometimes called by their names without the space separating the two words.

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For archival purposes you may wish to back up to an external hard drive in segments of a fixed size to allow for disk spanning, validate the image or backup if the software allows it, then copy the image or backup segments to DVDs and validate those if possible. In the meantime, keep your magnetic media away from magnets.

The regularity of regular imaging is frightening. What you want are images taken when everything was working perfectly (or at least with minor problems that may be easy to fix), similar to the state that Microsoft refers to as ‘last known good’. If you have one of those days when the computer is running as smoothly as you have ever seen it, then I suggest that you make an image at once.

A different principle applies to data backup, in that sometimes we are more productive than at other times. Back it up regularly, but if you have a sudden burst of progress be sure to make a manual backup.

Almost all software can be purchased and downloaded online, and most will have free trial periods.

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Here is another link, for the sake of variety: Genie Backup. If you look for reviews, you will find that it is very highly regarded.

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Jcopy can synchronize your data files for you. But I do not have any scheduling capability built into Jcopy.

You can run Jcopy as a Scheduled task under Windows. But you still have to manually select the profile to run.

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Hi Rick: I’m going to give Jcopy a try. But before I do, a quick follow-up: I’m assuming that your caveat that I need “to manually select the profile to run” means that I turn the “profile” on once and it runs automatically at the designated time thereafter? Or do I need to manually do something every time I want Jcopy to run? Thanks again.

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Jon, you really do have to run Jcopy manually. I have been toying with an idea for how to automate this …

First you choose the profile you want to run from the menu. Then you click the “Check mismatches” button.

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Since I’ve already commented in your earlier thread ( post 747,456 ) I won’t say anything further except I don’t understand why you posted another question.

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If all you’re interested in is simple file-based backup, I wrote Jcopy for a friend of mine.

It is a fairly simple Visual Basic program, but it runs under Vista. It is FREE, and it gets the job done. I use it every week to backup files on all my PCs.

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Hey Al: In that thread, which concerned Vista’s backup program, you said that “most of us use third-party software for backing up,” so I’m just looking for recommendations. Make sense? Thanks.

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If all you want is to copy folders & files check out Karen’s Replicator. It is for personal use and inexpensive for work use. See Site License Calculator for licensing terms.

Joe

--Joe

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I can second the nomination for Karen’s Replicator. It is a bit fancier than my program.

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