The best way or software to back up my PC

[DDD]

Well I think it is about time I re-do my machine(format)....But I want to back it all up. What is the best process or software to do such a thing. I used to have my friend do all of this for me. But he is not around. Any help appreciated.

[li0n]

DDD..
Are you looking to back up files or the entire OS along with them? What is your reason to back up? (This may help). What operating system? I have some experience with backups. I normally store important files and what not on a separate partition. (Might be some thought for when you reinstall) This way next time you format, there will be no need to backup. Back ups take a long time for the first swing. Incremental or differentials after that do not. But an entire drive backup your looking at mmm.. 4 hours for a 40 gig. That’s a ruff estimate. Where will you back up to? An external hard drive? Cd's? Remember a fat32 partition can only do a max 4gig backup. I've probably lost you/or myself with the typing. I need rest. Ill check with you tomorrow. BTW, winxp has a backup utility in the OS, it works decent.
`li0n`

[DDD]

hhmm.... good question. I think my main concern is just to back up files. Althugh do you recommend I back up everything? My friend did a ghost of my laptop quite sometime ago that saved my buns. But I have all of my programs that I want to re-install. So it is not that big of a deal if I do not back up the whole OS and everything. And time is of no matter I have a bunch of machines I can use in the meantime so if it takes 10hrs it just does. Side note I do have a file server on my network here that I can save write to if necessary. But I know there is a better way than just dragging everything over to a mapped drive (or is there?).

I appreciate the help, any input or advice is greatly appreciated. Also I have norton ghost 2002 and "back up my PC" by veritas/stompinc www.stompinc.com if you never heard of it. But I have no idea how to use either

[prstudio]

http://ghost.radified.com/

Imaging would be best in my opinion. Using Norton's Ghost. Check out the above link for a walkthrough.

[DDD]

can I use ghost 2002 even tho I have an XP machine?

[Lou_Sifffer]

If you are going to reformat, I suggest just backing up your data, since any quirks in your OS will be transferred when you "restore" from an image.

True, you will have to reinstall all your apps, but they will run like new (since they are) installs, without all the quirks your OS has now.

Otherwise, why format, if you are just going to put the same funked up image back on the same HD?

I use NTI backup, and it does a nightly incrimental (what has changed since last backup) backup while I am asleep to another computer on my network. Works absolutely wonderfully, and quickly.

[The_Vulcan]

Ditto’s on what Lou said….

Why format if your are gonna use a ghost image….
The only thing ghosts are good for is setting up lots of computers to be identical.

I format my computer at least once every 3 months.
I have 2 60Gb hard drives partitioned into 11 drives of different sizes.

When I format I copy my:
Favorites folder another drive.
Export all mail messages from outlook.
Make sure I have all passwords and dial up numbers written down.

I then format my XP drive 3-4 times.
I then format my Programs drive 3-4times.

I reinstall XP
I install latest drivers
Restore fonts
Restore internet connection.
Restore favorite’s folder.
Restore mail.

Install programs as required.

On occasion copy drives that I store my work and my g/f’s to cd’s incase of drive failure.

[teet]

you've prolly thought of this before but...

have you ever considered just buying an extra hdd. you can get a 120 gig for under $100. it's certainly not the most economical option in the short run, but in the long run it may be a lot easier. it kind of just depends on if you have a little extra cash.

-teet

[DDD]

this guide is good thanks man and the advice is just as good. I was going to ghost only to keep in case of emergency and need a restore. My cpu is not acting up it has just been a while and I feel my files and stuff are just all over the place.

any more advice feel free to fire away. hhmmm NTI back up Rev? I'll check it out.....ill still see what lion has to say tomorrow. thanks gents.

[prstudio]

:)
Whichever gets it done bro!

[dropkick]

Back up all of your important files to a CD/DVD then run debug (http://www.fdisk.com/fdisk/HardDrive.htm) to remove all the partition info from your HD...then reinstall OS and apps

Make sure you run the debug script exactly as it is written or you could have a nice 80gb doorstop.