Backup utility that does not create proprietary file format?

**TwIce** · 10-31-2009, 02:27 PM

I'm looking for a data back up app or utility that is non-invasive and not bossy or a hog; my last one would save files in a proprietary format which can only be accessed via the program that created it, so I reverted to simply copying and pasting folders in Windows.

My experience of these programs is limited. Ideally, all I need is something that I can install on two PCs, can remind me to back up chosen data files and remember where they go on one backup drive with separate backup destination folders for each PC. I'm hoping to use this app to select source files (My Documents, iTunes, etc.) one time, set the destination location and folders and then automate the process.

I'm running Vista 64x. I do not mind paying for a small-footprint app that does not install crapware.

As always, Sharksters, thanks.

**OS-Wiz** · 10-31-2009, 07:11 PM

Acronis True Image Home: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...mage+home+2010

**ua549** · 10-31-2009, 07:53 PM

I use Acronis and highly recommend it, but virtually all backup utilities require the same software to restore from backup.

**fluffmonster** · 10-31-2009, 08:08 PM

Vista has an integrated backup imager that works well for a whole-disk image. I've never tried it on individual folders. Control Panel -> Backup and Restore Center. Only writes to an optical disk or another harddrive though.

For individual folders, I use SyncBack freeware version from 2BrightSpaks. It doesn't compress the files at all but as long as you have the space on the backup drive, you never have to worry about the files getting stuck in a format difficult to retrieve from. Its basically copying-and-pasting but automated...you set up the job and then just push 'go' forever after. I think it even has a scheduler though i never used it.

**OS-Wiz** · 10-31-2009, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ua549

I use Acronis and highly recommend it, but virtually all backup utilities require the same software to restore from backup.

Yup, I simply clone my C: drive to my D: drive, that way I've no proprietary format to deal with.

**cat5e** · 10-31-2009, 08:36 PM

If you want to save a drive as is, you need another drive of the same size and you can use any Sync program to duplicate the Drive.

It would not duplicate the Boot. So if the original drive is totally busted the backup can be used only for data files.

Therefore the choice for total backup is to use programs like Acronis True image that was mention before, and generate an image.

True image canprovides with the ability to make a Boot CD with True Image on it.

So if the original drive is Kaput you can boot from a CD ROM and restore the image.

You can also mount the image on a any functiol Hard Drive and extract/copy from the image files in regular format.

Only $25, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832200010
.

**TwIce** · 11-01-2009, 10:32 PM

Very useful info, guys, thanks as always.

**fluffmonster** · 11-07-2009, 01:22 AM

I want to add a note...I just moved to Win7 pro upgrade. I wanted to move it to another hdd of the same size. It has an integrated backup imager, but it will seemingly not allow you to install an image on anything but the exact hardware the OS was originally installed on. The attempt to move it to a different hdd failed, and I am certain it is free of mechanical defects.

I don't know if this is a bug or if it is intentional, but it completely escapes me why MS would build an integrated backup imager that is useless if you experience mechanical hdd failure. Maybe I'll pick up Acronis, though right now I'm mostly pouting.

10-31-2009, 02:27 PM	#1
TwIce Tiger Shark Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 611	Backup utility that does not create proprietary file format? I'm looking for a data back up app or utility that is non-invasive and not bossy or a hog; my last one would save files in a proprietary format which can only be accessed via the program that created it, so I reverted to simply copying and pasting folders in Windows. My experience of these programs is limited. Ideally, all I need is something that I can install on two PCs, can remind me to back up chosen data files and remember where they go on one backup drive with separate backup destination folders for each PC. I'm hoping to use this app to select source files (My Documents, iTunes, etc.) one time, set the destination location and folders and then automate the process. I'm running Vista 64x. I do not mind paying for a small-footprint app that does not install crapware. As always, Sharksters, thanks. Last edited by TwIce; 10-31-2009 at 02:30 PM.

10-31-2009, 07:11 PM	#2
OS-Wiz Got Game? Got nVidia? Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: St. Louis, Mo, USA Posts: 11,795	Acronis True Image Home: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...mage+home+2010 __________________ The Money Trap = CPU - Intel i7 920 \| HSF - ThermalRight Ultra-120 Extreme LGA1366 w/OCZ Freeze \| Mobo - eVGA X58 SLI Micro \| Memory - 3 x 2GB OCZ DDR3 1600 7-7-7-24 \| vidcard - eVGA GTX260 \| Disk1 - WD VelociRaptor \| Disk2 - WD \| Sound - X-Fi Fatal1ty \| Speakers - Klipsch ProMedia \| Case - Lian Li PC-G70B \| PSU - Antec Signature 850w \| Monitor - Samsung 214T 21" \| Windows 7 Ultimate x64 \| UPS - APC RS1500 SharkyExtreme 3DMark Team

10-31-2009, 07:53 PM	#3
ua549 morte prima di disonore Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 19,948	I use Acronis and highly recommend it, but virtually all backup utilities require the same software to restore from backup. __________________ Notebook: Core Duo T7200, 4GB Mem, Seagate 200GB, Quadro NVS 110, Vista Business Workstation: Dual Xeon E5405 Quads, 16GB Mem, Areca 1210 4TB Raid 5, 1.5TB Raid 1, Quadro NVS 290, Viewsonic VP191b & VA2026w, Windows 7, VMware IT questions? Datamation. Server questions? Server Watch Forums. Enterprise questions? Enterprise IT Planet Forums. ua549.com

10-31-2009, 08:08 PM	#4
fluffmonster Tiger Shark Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 581	Vista has an integrated backup imager that works well for a whole-disk image. I've never tried it on individual folders. Control Panel -> Backup and Restore Center. Only writes to an optical disk or another harddrive though. For individual folders, I use SyncBack freeware version from 2BrightSpaks. It doesn't compress the files at all but as long as you have the space on the backup drive, you never have to worry about the files getting stuck in a format difficult to retrieve from. Its basically copying-and-pasting but automated...you set up the job and then just push 'go' forever after. I think it even has a scheduler though i never used it. __________________ Core i7-920 + Xigmatek S1283 + LGA 1366 bracket // Gigabyte UD4P // eVGA gtx260-216 // 6gigs Corsair DDR3-1333 // Antec 900 V2 // Corsair TX750 // WD 640GB // Samsung TOC T240 24"

10-31-2009, 08:36 PM	#6
cat5e Red Shark Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 2,400	If you want to save a drive as is, you need another drive of the same size and you can use any Sync program to duplicate the Drive. It would not duplicate the Boot. So if the original drive is totally busted the backup can be used only for data files. Therefore the choice for total backup is to use programs like Acronis True image that was mention before, and generate an image. True image canprovides with the ability to make a Boot CD with True Image on it. So if the original drive is Kaput you can boot from a CD ROM and restore the image. You can also mount the image on a any functiol Hard Drive and extract/copy from the image files in regular format. Only $25, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832200010 . __________________ CAT5e Microsoft, MVP - Networking.

11-01-2009, 10:32 PM	#7
TwIce Tiger Shark Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 611	Very useful info, guys, thanks as always.

11-07-2009, 01:22 AM	#8
fluffmonster Tiger Shark Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 581	I want to add a note...I just moved to Win7 pro upgrade. I wanted to move it to another hdd of the same size. It has an integrated backup imager, but it will seemingly not allow you to install an image on anything but the exact hardware the OS was originally installed on. The attempt to move it to a different hdd failed, and I am certain it is free of mechanical defects. I don't know if this is a bug or if it is intentional, but it completely escapes me why MS would build an integrated backup imager that is useless if you experience mechanical hdd failure. Maybe I'll pick up Acronis, though right now I'm mostly pouting. __________________ Core i7-920 + Xigmatek S1283 + LGA 1366 bracket // Gigabyte UD4P // eVGA gtx260-216 // 6gigs Corsair DDR3-1333 // Antec 900 V2 // Corsair TX750 // WD 640GB // Samsung TOC T240 24"

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode