backup/synchronization software

[geekEE]

Does anyone have any suggestions on simple Windows backup software that will just copy certain data directories to a network drive automatically every night?

Thanks,
Glenn

 

[cooperDBM]

I use Microsoft's SyncToy to do the same thing you're asking for. I don't remember if it's shipped with Windows though it would be a free download anyway. Google it. Vista has something called Sync Center but I haven't used it.

 

[IRstuff]

Goodsync can do that as well.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[namklof]

I use Allway Sync. It is simple and fast.

 

[kontiki99]

I use command.com backup macros to copy the contents of my HDD drive working directory on to a network drive every night.

Dyntax looks like

ECHO OFF

rem pause

D:
xcopy D:\_D_Method_0\*.* F:\_D_Method_0\ /D /Y /G /H /S
xcopy D:\_D_Method_1\*.* F:\_D_Method_1\ /D /Y /G /H /S
xcopy D:\_D_Method_2\*.* F:\_D_Method_2\ /D /Y /G /H /S
xcopy D:\_F_Method_3\*.* F:\_D_Method_3\ /D /Y /G /H /S
pause


It's a simple text file saved with a .bat extention. You can keep it on your desktop and make shortcuts to it.

It generally only copies a file if it's newer than the one there.

The number of files in the destination folder tends to keep growing but it's just a way to ensure a HDD failure cannot cost me more than a days lost work.

At home I perform a real HDD synchronization using Synchback Pro. It does a nice job.

 

[Denial]

I do something similar to Kontiki99, except that I also use the additional XCOPY switches /E /V /C and /K. (Depends on exactly what you are aiming to achieve.)

 

[smah]

Robocopy is made for exactly this sort of thing. It's included with Vista & 2008 and can also be installed on 2K, XP & 2003

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...69-57ff-4ae7-96ee-b18c4790cffd&displaylang=en

Steve
Eichenauer, Inc.

 

[geekEE]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I downloaded and installed SyncToy and it seemed to work for my needs in the "echo" mode (although I ran into a bug in the "sync" mode). I may give some of the other programs a try if I end up needing something more flexible.

Glenn