backup hard drive: I bought another hard drive to backup my photos from the first backup drive so I would have two copies. What is the best way to copy to the other drive? Can I do it...

farwest Loc: Utah

I bought another hard drive to backup my photos from the first backup drive so I would have two copies. What is the best way to copy to the other drive? Can I do it in Windows Explorer or should I use cloning software?

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Since it's a copy of a drive without an operating system, it should be fairly easy to copy everything to the new drive. Go to the root folder, right click, & drag it to the new drive. Click on copy rather than move.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

nicksr1125 wrote:

Since it's a copy of a drive without an operating system, it should be fairly easy to copy everything to the new drive. Go to the root folder, right click, & drag it to the new drive. Click on copy rather than move.

That's what I do. Drag-n-drop directories.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Yep, no reason to clone if it’s just data, not applications or OS.

Now the question is, what will you do in the future to keep the backup synced as you add, delete and change files? Adding new files is straightforward with appropriate mirroring SW, but you need to think a bit about files that you change and delete on your primary storage. If you delete a file on the primary (which could potentially be a mistake), do you want it deleted on the backup? What about changes? Do you want to keep earlier versions? Now is the time to think about those things.

farwest Loc: Utah

TriX wrote:

Yep, no reason to clone if it’s just data, not app... (show quote)

The first external drive was getting full so I bought another just like it. I'm going to copy all the files from the first external on to the new 2nd external and store them as I have a 3rd external that has that have been processed. To be honest with you I'm a bit overwhelmed with what to do backing up correctly. I watch this forum to see what others do which has been a great help. I use carbonite on my windows computer and backblaze on my MacBook.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

I use WD and simply run as mirror update

tcthome Loc: NJ

I keep about 5 back ups & delete the earlier ones Just me.

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

TriX wrote:

Yep, no reason to clone if it’s just data, not app... (show quote)

There is a program called Kaleidoscope that will compare two disks, or two folders, or two files, whatever you wish to compare, and will tell you what the differences are. It will compare two drives, tell you what files are missing on each one, or what files have been changed on one but not the other.

bobbyjohn Loc: Dallas, TX

I use Macrium Reflect Free for my backups. I have two external HDs, 5 GB each. When I need to take a backup, Reflect will create ONE file only on the backup drive...this file contains any and all internal HDs and partitions on my system, or even backup of another external drive if I so designate. It takes about 1 hour for each such backup...so I either stagger backups, or do it twice on the same day. It backs up everything, OS, programs, and data. I typically delete the THIRD such backup as the oldest to free up space...so there are TWO Reflect files saved, the current and the minus one.

Therefore, if you are willing to start the backup, walk away from computer for an hour or so, and come back, your FULL back will be done.

Also, if you were to get the Macrium Reflect (PAID version), it would allow for doing incremental backup. I don't need that. The FREE version serves me well.

bweber Loc: Newton, MA

I use Carbon Copy Cloner to back up my images from one drive to another. The advantage of using back up software is that I can set it to back up on a schedule, I use daily, and forget it. The back up occurs automatically every day and I do nothing. It does not slow down my computer, but it works.

Peteso Loc: Blacks Hills

I suggest Second Copy backup software. Affordable, easy to configure and reliable. Also, unlike many other backup programs that require software to access the backed up files, Second Copy copies the files in their native formats and directory structure, so they are readily accessible using Windows File Explorer. (I don't know if Second Copy is available for Apple users, but would be interested if anyone knows.)

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Peteso wrote:

I suggest Second Copy backup software. Affordable, easy to configure and reliable. Also, unlike many other backup programs that require software to access the backed up files, Second Copy copies the files in their native formats and directory structure, so they are readily accessible using Windows File Explorer. (I don't know if Second Copy is available for Apple users, but would be interested if anyone knows.)

I agree and also prefer a mirror rather than a backup SW that compresses files using a proprietary algorithm. A percentage of restores from backup DO fail, even with enterprise grade backup SW. Another advantage is that you can simply point your application to the mirrored copy and keep working, rather than waiting (and hoping) for a successful restore.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

TriX wrote:

I agree and also prefer a mirror rather than a backup SW that compresses files using a proprietary algorithm. A percentage of restores from backup DO fail, even with enterprise grade backup SW. Another advantage is that you can simply point your application to the mirrored copy and keep working, rather than waiting (and hoping) for a successful restore.

That's why I just copy, all files individually usable. Backup software that compresses make the files unreadable unless one "restores" them using the same backup software. Got bit by that one with DOS years and years ago.

bweber Loc: Newton, MA

I am sorry for suggesting Carbon Copy Cloner. Although it makes exact, easily opened copies, it only works on Macs. It does not run on a windows machine.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Longshadow wrote:

That's why I just copy, all files individually usable. Backup software that compresses make the files unreadable unless one "restores" them using the same backup software. Got bit by that one with DOS years and years ago.

Yep, once you’ve had a restore fail... Those events are often accompanied by dozens of people going home, unable to work, panic with a room full of worried admins, CIO and SEs from the backup SW and storage company, the salespeople involved, and if unsuccessful, the “resignation” of the CIO and admin(s) involved. Not a pretty picture. Maybe you can tell that I’ve seen it up close and personal.