Windows 7 forum: Wanted: Backup Strategy

that you need different strategies for the different data, eg;

1] OS on drive C

Use either a disk backup utility like TrueImage, or clone the disk using a cloning utility like Clonezilla.

If the two disks C and D are from the same maker you may find disk copy and/or cloning utilities from the maker's web site. An example are my Seagate drives. Seagate has it's own disk copy and cloning utility which I have downloaded and installed.

Cloning gives an exact copy of a disk that is then bootable. Disk copy with something like TrueImage provides an "Image" of the OS and contents, but also provides the means to create your own bootable CD or DVD from which you can use D to "Restore" the image to drive C or any other drive.

2] Data on E, F and G

Just copy the data from E to F and the same for G, either onto F or onto some other media. But remember, if you only make one backup of your data and E or G fails and you lose the data, then your backup becomes the original and is, therefore, at risk without backups. We always recommend 3 copies of data onto three separate media.

I hope that helps.

Mark

WD Raptor family. I have that drive. Your D: is the same but I'd not clone C to D if part of your strategy is to keep the backups current. You'd need to regularly re-clone the drive. Drive imaging is just as fast is not faster and conserves space. It also recovers quickly. I use Acronis True Image approximately weekly to create images of my C drive and store it in at least 2 locations. What will make a difference is how full your 150 GB drive is. Mine is less than 1/2 full so I can create 4 images that will occupy no more than 150 GB on another drive. I toss older images in favor of making new ones as space on my D drive gets low. BTW, my D is 300 GB WD 10000 RPM model.

Your data drive could also use the same imaging strategy depending on what your data files are. If already compressed such as photos and video, your images would not compress much more. You may consider to make at least two backup copies of your important data with one on an internal drive and others external to the PC. This could be external HDs or such as CD/DVD media. You need nothing for your temporary storage (G drive).

No one can devise the best plan for you but I'll always recommend that you test the restore method to make sure it works rather than hope you'll never need to use it. Don't rely on proprietary software that can only restore your files if it is installed on your HD. Your plan should presume total failure and the need to boot from other media. Acronis and other imaging programs will do this.

I have 3 hard drives and a laptop and frequent backups are necessary in my Private Investigation business. Believe me I've tried much of the software on the market (including WD; and I'm not "knocking them") and to me nothing compares to Acronis solutions. I presently have Acronis True Image 2012 installed on all my drives, so that I can use their backup file format, but you can also convert to a windows format without having to use Acronis format. Online backup is also available.

I've used Acronis versions for 5 years and am quite satisfied with performance. Above all, most of their programs have a 14 day free trial on the FULL software versions. You have the option of downloading the programs or buying a disk for about 11 bucks more than the program cost. I have to say that the program I have is user-friendly and if I have any questions, (program-related, or otherwise) their Support keeps right on top of things. They're very perservering in solving any problems and their good 24/7 customer service always remains unchanged. Best of all, they have a 24/7 support chat which includes remote capabilities so they can work with you on solving any issues. There is no hidden charge for support services and is good for the program life -- even if updated versions have arisen.

Enough rambling. I'm pleased with Acronis and their prices are quite reasonable. They're probably even running special rates during this holiday time. It might be beneficial for you to check out their website at: http://www.acronis.com/. After all, you don't have anything to lose with the full version free trials. Hope this helps and good luck.