Backing up photos and music - copies vs. proprietary file

[bobogs]

I'm trying to wrap my mind around backing up my 7+gb of jpgs, 35gb of music, and several gb of documents and mail. I've decided to use an external hd, with possibly a second external hd as a duplicate. One of the external hds will go into a fire/waterproof safe in my house, and i'll bust it out to refresh the backup periodically.

I'm having trouble deciding between using an app like Acronis True Image 9 or SmartSync Pro to backup sets of common data files (music, photos, documents). TI9 backs up all the files into one or more TIB files, which is a proprietary file format...this has always seemed like a negative to me. SmartSync Pro backs up to either a zip file or simply copies each file to the target location (external hd)...this sounds better for easy access if I have to revert to the backup drive...no mounting an image file or wizards involved.

One thing that SSPro has trouble with is storing multiple versions of the same file in the target location. TI9 would just add the updated file to the incremental backup set, but SSPro uses its Program Files folder to store multiple versions...kind of odd.

Any thoughts on backup methods / file formats?

Thanks!
Gary

[yoda313]

I personally store stuff on dvdrs. I just copy the original files to a dvdr and leave it at that. I put about half of my mp3's on one disc and half on another.

I can get my photos and downloaded install files for apps on one dvd. That usually takes care of my most sensitive data I don't want to lose. The rest is the program themselves and all the tv shows I cap. But I usually make a dvd of those pretty regularly so I don't need to backup the mpg file.

FYI.

[mazinz]

I also use dvdrs for backup items, however my HDD died suddenly on me (a month back). THE ONLY software out there that still saw its structure was Acronis. On top of that I was able to recover 99.9% of everything I lost using their software. So if that helps you decide between the two at all. Be super safe-- do both. Back up the drive like you mentioned onto 2 other HDDS AND back them up on however many dvdrs you need. I no longer trust my HDDS anymore and make data backups more frequently now onto disc. Just use good media and not garbage and you should be ok.

[Bodyslide]

Use TY DVD-R Media. Burn 2 copies,Check each disc after burn for errors. That is the way all my important stuff is backed up. Then one copy is stored in my Safe Deposit box at my local Bank. The other copy is in a safe here at home. Good Luck

[mazinz]

I fully agree with the above. Their is software that will scan the disc for errors, but your best method for doing it, make a folder on your pc somewhere and then copy/paste everything from your newly burned disc into the folder. If it copies ok your disc should be fine

[CrayonEater]

Yeah, I'll third it. Relying on hard disks as backup devices is a bad move, unless you are willing to spend a lot of time and money. I use HDs for short-term backups and to re-image some of my drives (I run a honeypot and also analyze viruses, spyware, etc.) so the HD is strictly a time-saver. However, even if I used the HD for regular backups, I'd still do the above and make two sets of DVDs, storing one in a cool, dark, dry place in jewel cases, and using top-quality TY media.