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backup/synchronization software

backup/synchronization software

backup/synchronization software

(OP)
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

RE: backup/synchronization software

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.

RE: backup/synchronization software

I use Allway Sync.  It is simple and fast.

RE: backup/synchronization software

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.

RE: backup/synchronization software

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.)

RE: backup/synchronization software

(OP)
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

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