Backup tools that recognize devices

[blueznl]

Not sure if such a program exists, but I'm looking for it (and too lazy to write something myself ) I have more than one USB drive and 'shuffle' them around a bit, but they're not all same size, and I don't always need a full backup. I'm looking for a good backup tool that does the following:

- recognize if a backup drive is attached (ie. an external usb drive, but it c
ould be on different drive letters!)

- option to encrypt part of the backup (no need to encrypt all, just certain folders with sensitive data, rest can be copied)

- no need for compression (it's a nice to have but no real need)

- only backs up changed material

- runs on windows xp

- selectable backup sets (ie. a backup set that backups essential stuff, another that copies the essential stuff plus all music, pictures, etc., plus yet another set that backups all)


Some / all of the above might require some sort of drive recognition / semaphore file recognition I fear... Currently I'm using a batch file that pretty much does the above, but there must be a faster and more comfortable way

Any suggestions?

[maw]

Give SyncBack a try, either SE or Pro: http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/sbse.html

I use the SE-version, and instead of using a device letter (.e. C:) you can use a volume label or serial number. Using the Pro version you can script everything to your heart's delight, and should be able to make it automatically recognize when a volume label or serial number is available and then run the appropriate backup profile.

Give it a spin and see if it fits your needs. I think it's well worth it's price!

[jamba]

Give SyncBack a try, either SE or Pro: http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/sbse.html

I use the SE-version, and instead of using a device letter (.e. C:) you can use a volume label or serial number. Using the Pro version you can script everything to your heart's delight, and should be able to make it automatically recognize when a volume label or serial number is available and then run the appropriate backup profile.

Give it a spin and see if it fits your needs. I think it's well worth it's price!

I've never used it, but I have always heard good things about this program.



I usually do my backups using:
1: rsync (or rsync running in cygwin if in windows)
2: my own backup routine, written in PB
3: synctoy

none of these work like you specified though! (drive letter has to be specified, etc)

[naw]

I always just used Windows 'Briefcase' - just create a Briefcase on your USB stick from the File Menu, then drop the files & folders onto it that you want to backup. After that it's easy to start a re-sync to update any file changes...

[GWarner]

Recently I was searching for a replacement for True Image. It seemed like with each new version True Image was getting buggier and buggier and Acronis' support was getting less and less. I bought the 2010 version hoping they had fixed serveral major problems I had with the 2009 version. They hadn't and my e-mailed support requests went unanswered. With all that in mind I decided I could no longer trust the program for something as important as backups, time to move on.

I came across SyncBack and tried it. Although it is a nice program it wasn't what I was looking for so I moved on.

I eventually remembered a drive utility I used to sue both at work and at home that had never failed to perform though at that time it wasn't owned by Symantec. Even though my opinion of Symantec itself isn't the greatest, they at least seemed to have not totally trashed the programs they have acquired recently like Partition Magic, GoBack (which apparently is no longer being sold), and Ghost. So I gave Norton Ghost trial a shot, it worked well and with no problems so I bought it and that is what I now use for backups.

[codewalker]

Hi,- Blueznl - op wie heb je vandaag gestemd ? - who did you vote for today ?

Anyway, try one of these - - - -

shadowbackup http://quicklytech.com/home/features/ (simple - easy and good)

viceversa http://www.tgrmn.com/ (very configurable)

mirrorfolder http://www.techsoftpl.com/backup/ (the one i use myself)
this one labels a drive with an unique id.

What about puresync, it´s free for personal use http://www.jumpingbytes.com/puresync.html
Greetingznl
cw

[blueznl]

I'm looking at the different suggestions, people. Thus far no winner, although SyncBack seems to be in the lead at the moment.

A propos voting... well, I admit I voted mid-right, you see, no matter how socialistic we all SHOULD be, it's hard to share wealth if there is none. Which is what would happen if I would follow my conscience and vote leftisch. Think about it: can you spend money without earning it first yourself? No? Then how can a government allow itself to do so?

I firmly believe in a positive approach, with a protective base buffer, ie. the base levels for everyone should be at a level where people do not suffer, but that's about it. All should be entitled to proper medical care, proper education. Then those that actually work and thus pay for those that do not work should receive sufficient benefits. If the overal level increases, then it's the task of a government to roam the top a bit to spread the wealth so everybody gets something, but its outright silly to overload your taxpayers in such a way there's no reason to actually work and make some money...

Yet, regardless of the above paragraph, which admittedly is a bit rightwing (though not entirely unsensible if you come to think about it) the following rule applies to RIGHT, LEFT, and MIDDLE... FIRST EARN, THEN SPEND. Any colour, any government, any political party or politician that thinks he / she / it can spend now, earn later, is frankly using todays tax money to make sure we'll have even less tomorrow, where our kids have to pay the enormous debts some stupid politicians build today, all under the umbrella of (dare I say it) socialism.

If anything, I guess you could consider me an enlightened capitalist. I wasn't born that way, it's just politics that made me a well-intending cynic. So now, after extreme left and extreme right, there's now extreme middle... Sigh.

[codewalker]

where our kids have to pay the enormous debts some stupid politicians build today, all under the umbrella of (dare I say it) socialism.

I totally agree ! And would like to add :
If the Netherlands doesn´t help it self first, then how can they help others ?
During the last 2 kabinets the Netherlands has drifted away on a pink left cloud, dreaming that everybody
and everything is ok. I really hope that this time the dutch people vote for politicians who have reality checks
on their agenda.
Greetings
cw

[SFSxOI]

Acronis True Image

[blueznl]

where our kids have to pay the enormous debts some stupid politicians build today, all under the umbrella of (dare I say it) socialism.

I totally agree ! And would like to add :
If the Netherlands doesn´t help it self first, then how can they help others ?
During the last 2 kabinets the Netherlands has drifted away on a pink left cloud, dreaming that everybody
and everything is ok. I really hope that this time the dutch people vote for politicians who have reality checks
on their agenda.
Greetings
cw

I said that, don't want to put the blame on codewalker

Anyway, the brainless have spoken. They have given way too many votes to the guy who managed (as a mayor) to destroy Amsterdam's budget for the next 10 to 20 years... so it's time he'll continue his havoc on a national scale... sigh.

Oh well, enough politics. I think it was a 'don't' even in the off-topic category

[codewalker]

It is said that the people get the government that they deserve. After 3 kabinets the dutch
still haven't learned that an illusion (pvda) never will turn into something real. We'll at least
they put cda out of business. That at least is some positive change
We'll lets see how it will work out with this new kabinet.
cw

[zikitrake]

I don't try it, but (only for today), a registered version of DoubleSafety 4.5:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/doublesafety-4-5/