Backup software or copy paste 2: My original post was hijacked and it was suggested that I start a new thread. My question was do you backup software or do you copy paste to an...

Jerry G Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida

My original post was hijacked and it was suggested that I start a new thread. My question was do you backup software or do you copy paste to an external drive. I was using software for my backups but since my original post have started doing copy paste, now (because I am a indecisive person) I am having second thoughts. I would like to hear what you do and why.

PeterBergh

I use XCOPY (details on request) because it gives me total control and it's very easy to recover individual files, should I decide I need to.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Jerry G wrote:

My original post was hijacked and it was suggested that I start a new thread. My question was do you backup software or do you copy paste to an external drive. I was using software for my backups but since my original post have started doing copy paste, now (because I am a indecisive person) I am having second thoughts. I would like to hear what you do and why.

The problem with copy/paste is that for subsequent backups, you'll have to wait through the entire copy process. Depending upon the number of images, that could take some time.

Good backup software will flag files that have been backed up since they were last modified/edited. So, subsequent backups may need to back up only 50 files instead of the 50,000 that might be there.

PeterBergh

brucewells wrote:

The problem with copy/paste is that for subsequent backups, you'll have to wait through the entire copy process. ...

XCOPY with suitable options will only copy the files that have been modified since last backup. I agree that, with copy/paste, you'll have to wait.

PeterBergh

brucewells wrote:

The problem with copy/paste is that for subsequent backups, you'll have to wait through the entire copy process. ...

With XCOPY and suitable options, it will only copy the files that haven't been backed up.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

I have been using SyncBackSE from 2BrightSparks for my nightly backups for over 10 years with no problems. Very powerful program that allows for backups, mirroring, synchronizing and restoring... The comparison page shows the different options available.

Also check out the SyncBack Touch package for phones/tablets...

Hope this helps...

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Shellback wrote:

I have been using SyncBackSE from 2BrightSparks for my nightly backups for over 10 years with no problems. Very powerful program that allows for backups, mirroring, synchronizing and restoring... The comparison page shows the different options available.

Also check out the SyncBack Touch package for phones/tablets...

Hope this helps...

As have I, and there’s even a free version of it (or used to be).

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Jerry G wrote:

My original post was hijacked and it was suggested that I start a new thread. My question was do you backup software or do you copy paste to an external drive. I was using software for my backups but since my original post have started doing copy paste, now (because I am a indecisive person) I am having second thoughts. I would like to hear what you do and why.

I only copy paste. Is sure and I know it is done right to the correct location every time.

Jerry G Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida

brucewells wrote:

The problem with copy/paste is that for subsequent backups, you'll have to wait through the entire copy process. Depending upon the number of images, that could take some time.

Good backup software will flag files that have been backed up since they were last modified/edited. So, subsequent backups may need to back up only 50 files instead of the 50,000 that might be there.

Normally after I shoot I down load my pictures to my desk top and immediately back them up, then I reformat my sd card. Using my backup software takes almost a full hour, with copy paste I would only
copy the new pictures, that only takes a few minutes, I also need to use this on more than one computer.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I use SyncBack SE to backup seven folders of data every couple of days. If I had to remember what files were new, find them, and then copy them to their correct folders, I doubt I would continuing backing things up. The first complete backup could take an hour or more, but following backups take only a few minutes, and it's done automatically.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

For back up or travel HD (an external I carry when we travel) i simply create a directory with that days date and copy paste whole directories into it, when drive gets too full I delete the oldest version, thus I have several versions of Backup on that drive, I do also have drives dedicated to photo backup also maintained by copy /paste from the mainHD

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

I like Acronis True Image - it has a very nice (and simple) interface, multiple tools including backup, and multiple options for backup.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Jerry,
I have used Acronis for 10+ years. I back up three internal drives:C (OS), E (Data) & Z (Images), and a laptop to four external drives. I do two backups of each to the externals. I have recoved files and entire disks. Works perfectly for me.
Mark

Jerry G wrote:

My original post was hijacked and it was suggested that I start a new thread. My question was do you backup software or do you copy paste to an external drive. I was using software for my backups but since my original post have started doing copy paste, now (because I am a indecisive person) I am having second thoughts. I would like to hear what you do and why.

JayemCO Loc: Colorado @ 9000 feet

Jerry G wrote:

My original post was hijacked and it was suggested that I start a new thread. My question was do you backup software or do you copy paste to an external drive. I was using software for my backups but since my original post have started doing copy paste, now (because I am a indecisive person) I am having second thoughts. I would like to hear what you do and why.

Sounds like your concern is not backing up your computer's hard drive, but placing the pictures on your camera's SD card onto a hard drive or drives. I use the copy and past method to do this. I rename files on my SD card and immediately after they are renamed I copy and then paste to my computer hard drive and two external backup hard drives. When all of the files on the SD card are renamed I know it has all been copied to 3 hard drives. Since I rename every file, I have not found software that will do this and copy to the 3 hard drives.

Jerry G Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida

JayemCO wrote:

Sounds like your concern is not backing up your co... (show quote)

You are correct. I want copies of my photos on an external hard drive. If I copy paste the new folders to my external drive after I download that seems to be the simplest way, and I can use more than one computer and keep my photos in one logical directory.