Backup

[Archex]

I need help setting up a backup. I'm trying to backup all my files as well as my windows installation and programs on an external HDD. i know this is possible by cloning my entire boot drive and creating an image file. if my boot drive fails i can use that image to recover windows and all my files/programs. i want my computer to do this automatically but i only want it to update the files that have changed on the image, i don't want it to write 209 Gb of data every time I save a few pictures or work files. is it possible to back up just the new files to the image and not the windows installation.
Also i want to create a large image file that includes windows and everything else because when this array fails i want to be able to copy that image to a new drive and avoid having to install windows plus tons of programs. If im not too clear please let me know thx.

 

[EdnaSanclemente]

Don't worry!
There are many data backup tools online for you, such as AMANDA, Areca Backup and BackupPC, etc. You can find a list of backup freeware there:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_backup_software

 

[hang-the-9]

I need help setting up a backup. I'm trying to backup all my files as well as my windows installation and programs on an external HDD. i know this is possible by cloning my entire boot drive and creating an image file. if my boot drive fails i can use that image to recover windows and all my files/programs. i want my computer to do this automatically but i only want it to update the files that have changed on the image, i don't want it to write 209 Gb of data every time I save a few pictures or work files. is it possible to back up just the new files to the image and not the windows installation.
Also i want to create a large image file that includes windows and everything else because when this array fails i want to be able to copy that image to a new drive and avoid having to install windows plus tons of programs. If im not too clear please let me know thx.

Create a base image, then run regular backups of the files after that to capture changes.
To do a full restore, you would restore the image then run the backup program to restore the files not in the image.

 

[Archex]

Create a base image, then run regular backups of the files after that to capture changes.
To do a full restore, you would restore the image then run the backup program to restore the files not in the image.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I should created a large image that includes everything, save it then run a seperate back up of files /folders that regularly change ?

Any good/ reliable back up software you'd recommend ?

 

[hang-the-9]

Correct me if I'm wrong, I should created a large image that includes everything, save it then run a seperate back up of files /folders that regularly change ?

Any good/ reliable back up software you'd recommend ?

I just use the windows backup, and also the xcopy command which can be set to only copy changed files.
Easeus makes a good free backup utility that can do everything you want http://download.cnet.com/EaseUS-Todo-Backup-Free/3000-2242_4-10964460.html

 

[mbreslin1954]

Use the built-in Backup in Windows 7 (Control Panel --> Backup & Restore). You can have it do a full system image the first time, then it will do incremental backups after that.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-performance/windows-7-how-to-perform-an-incremental-back-up/a7d49307-21ec-4658-918d-8528a4b92912

 

[Ulrica-740]

Backup tool list for you:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_backup_software

 

[Archex]

Best answer selected by Archex.