VHD for Network Backup

[chrismeraz]

I want to backup all the files from my main PC on a hard drive in my secondary PC. They are both connected to the same network.

I am using Win7 Home, so I have to use a Virtual Hard Disk to fool Windows into backing up to the network location.

How do I set up a VHD for this use? Do I use the secondary computer to create the VHD file? What computer will the VHD file reside on? Do I then add the VHD file from my primary computer? I really don't know how this is supposed to work. I know I'm supposed to see a new hard drive in my Disk Manager, but will that be on the primary computer or the secondary?

Thanks for your help. Total newb with this VHD stuff, no idea how it works.

 

[noidea_77]

Let's start a bit earlier: is this for your personal data only or do you want to backup the entire Windows installation? That's important, because I don't think you will ever find a way to restore Windows from a VHD, no matter how it was created.

 

[chrismeraz]

Thanks for your question. I do not need to backup any Windows or System files (I've done that already), just my own files, which are changed every day (documents pictures music etc.). I used to physically bring the backup drive and install it in my computer to copy the files, but I need a daily backup now and that is too much trouble.

I sometimes mess around with my OS or replace hard drives and I want to make sure nothing is lost due to operator error during those situations. I also need a backup in case the drive fails. I sometimes create massive files during a single day (up to 10 GB of audio recordings because I have a recording studio). Does that answer your question?

 

[noidea_77]

That answers the question and my suggestion is: try a third party freeware, that creates backups on simple shared network drives, like https://www.paragon-software.com/home/br-free/index.html