[TheKey]

Hi guys. I confess: I am a computer moron. Please tell me which backup software is the simplest to use and will allow me to set it up and never touch it again. I'm looking for it to do a programmed daily backup so that if I change or add documents or photos to my computer, they will automatically be added or revised on the backup drive (I have 2 backup drives). Thanks in advance for your assistance!

(Edited to add: I have XP.)

Edited by TheKey, 18 August 2009 - 11:02 AM.

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[makai]

XP already has what you're looking for. Read THIS.

[TheKey]

Thank you. Although the address is in the address bar and the page reads "DONE," that link brings me to a blank page. Does the link work for you?

[rshaffer61]

Yes it worked for me. Try this one HERE and let us know if it works for you.

[TheKey]

Got it. Thank you!!

[rshaffer61]

You are very welcome. Please let us know if this resolves your problem.
We always like to know good or bad the ending results.

[TheKey]

I think it does resolve the problem. I will know for sure when (or if) it backs up today at the scheduled time. Dumb question, I'm sure, but do I want an "incremental" or "differential" backup? I can't tell the differnece in the descriptions given by the operating system. As I said in my OP, if I change or add documents or photos to my computer, I just want those files to be automatically added or revised in the backup. Thanks again!

[rshaffer61]

See if this Tutorial helps you out and explains it better.

[Broni]

Be advised, that Windows backup simply sucks.

Your best option is hard drive image...

Acronis True Image: http://www.acronis.com/ - not free, but the best

Free alternatives:
- Macrium Reflect: http://www.macrium.com/ReflectFree.asp (highly recommended)
- DriveImage XML: http://www.runtime.o...veimage-xml.htm
- SelfImage: http://www.excelcia....N...icle&sid=21
- Paragon Drive Backup: http://www.paragon-s...ome/db-express/

[datarunner]

Hi There

If you have a Seagate or Maxtor drive you can get a FREE version of Acronis True Image.

See here: http://www.seagate.c...oads/discwizard

Verify you drive make in Device Manager

Otherwise use one of the above mentions apps.

Regards

[Troy]

All the DiscWizard program achieves is the same as the "free alternatives" listed above. I currently use the Macrium Reflect free version, creating a full daily backup. I manually delete old versions of the backups to keep enough room.

Eventually I'm going to have enough saved to get the paid version, which has "disk management" feature and will delete old versions for me.

I've heard lots about Acronis being the best, but Reflect really just felt like home to me. It's great.