May 2, 2005

Well, here we are again, discussing backups. This is still a sore point with me since it seems to be very difficult to convince everyone about the importance of data backups. You can click here for a previous discussion on the subject of backups.

It seems that most people choose not to want to get involved in understanding how a computer stores information, all they want to do is use the computer, so now, there is a solution which makes it easier to do backups. I'm really excited since this backup alternative is fairly inexpensive, considering the costs of restoring a computer after a catastrophic failure. It is very easy to implement and use, and in my opinion, should be the number one priority for anyone with important data and programs installed on their computer. It can also be used for several computers, making the cost per system very low.

Since most programs store files wherever they decide is a good place, it can be easier to just backup the whole hard drive. The problem with trying to backup everything, just copying the all the files on the hard drive, is that you normally can't backup files which are loaded into the computer's memory. This means that the files used to run the Windows program itself can't be backed up since they are in use. So what's the best solution? Well, you get an external hard drive which is larger than the hard drive in your computer, then obtain drive imaging software, and do your backups to the external hard drive.

This procedure has a couple of advantages. The main advantage is that if your hard drive were to fail, you could replace it, run a restore, then in about an hours time, you are back to where you were when you did your last drive image, including all your programs and data files. On the average system, with USB 2.0 ports, the time is usually 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. You don't need to spend hours reloading everything. It is easier since you don't have to try to figure out where your data files are stored and add them to your backup program list. When you're done with the restore, the computer is exactly like it was when you did the last restore.

It used to be that the drive imaging programs had to boot out to a DOS session since they needed to perform the copying process without Windows running so that they could backup the Windows program files. The newer imaging programs can do the image right from Windows. It is really a pretty slick process. There are several imaging programs out there. I like a program called Acronis True Image (click here for their web site). The program is inexpensive and very easy to use.

The only thing to remember, for backups of any kind, is that you still need to plan for contingencies as far as where to keep the drive after you do the imaging. Remember, if you have a fire, or burglary, your backups don't do your any good if you don't have them when the computer is gone. Store the drive in a safe place, preferable at another location. June 6, 2006 Update:  I probably shouldn't put this in print because the situation will probably change before you read this, but, here goes. As of today's date, Costco has a Maxtor 300 gig external hard drive for about $150. That's large enough for several computers. There are also good buys on the Internet.

Also, the new version 9 of True Image allows you to create images while you are working on the computer, too cool! Click here for more information on how to create images.

Other links:

Click here for info on mounting and image to either verify it is OK, or to copy files from the image to your hard drive.
Click here to setup a task.
Click here to share a drive of folder to run images across a network.  Remember if you have an external drive and you swap it out with another drive, you will need to re-setup the drive sharing each time.
 

One last note:

It is very important to check, on a frequent basis, to make sure your images are working OK.  I suggest you set the backup options in True Image to verify the images, and, with Windows Explorer in a window, right click on the folder(s) where your images are located, drag them to the desktop, let go of the mouse button, and click on Create a Shorcut.  That way the shortcuts are in a convenient place to click on them and check the dates of the images.

Special note:

If you're imaging across a network onto a shared external drive, you will need to re-setup drive sharing whenever you swap out the external drive, click here for details on setting up drive sharing.  Remember if you have an external drive and you swap it out with another drive, you will need to re-setup the drive sharing each time.

If you have any questions or comments, click