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    Best folder-specific backup? (RAID1-like implementation)

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Rykoshet, Jun 12, 2013.

  1. Rykoshet

    Rykoshet Notebook Deity

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    In getting a new notebook for my wife, it's important that it have some sort of RAID1 for automatic backup of her writing. Yes, it's safe enough to copy a folder to an SD card every day (what she does now), but I'd really like to automate it.

    Some constraints I have:

    1. I'd like to avoid cloud backups if I can help it.
    2. She wants something thin, so I doubt I'll have two HDDs for RAID1
    3. She only really needs 1 folder (with many subfolders) backed up on a near-instantaneous basis. Mostly versions of word files.
    4. Backups will most likely be made to an SD card.
    5. Said SD card may be ejected accidentally once in a while -- this can't lead to failure.

    I've heard the following from Wikipedia:

    "Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 introduces a RAID-like feature known as Storage Spaces, which also allows users to specify mirroring, parity, or no redundancy on a folder-by-folder basis"

    I don't know how that works (IE, if it can be done with an SD card as the mirror) but this seems to be what I need.

    Anybody had success implementing something similar? Worst case I'll have to set up a RAID1 with two SSDs, but I really really really don't want to do that. Thanks!
     
    Rykoshet, Jun 12, 2013
    #1
  2. JOSEA

    JOSEA NONE

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    JOSEA, Jun 12, 2013
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  3. Zaphod111

    Zaphod111 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've been using Back Up 4 All for about a year now and very satisfied. I use it to do mirror backups of my work drive at the end of each day. I'm sure it has an option for more instantaneous backups as well.

    And for extra redundancy, definitely don't discount the cloud options as well. Like Drop Box folder syncing etc.
     
    Zaphod111, Jun 12, 2013
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  4. wozofoz

    wozofoz Notebook Enthusiast

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    I use FreeFileSync: Synchronize files, synchronize folders and backup data
    Note: You will probably want to use the Mirror setting, PC (left) > SD Card (right)
    Automate sync as a batch job
    If you create a batch job you can create a shortcut and click on that any time to run the batch job
    You can also use the Windows Scheduler to run the batch job every 5 or 10 minutes or whatever

    Access variable drive letters by volume name (USB sticks)
    I recommend you use this feature and give the SD Card or Flashdrive a name (if you haven't already) so FreeFileSync will still sync even when the drive letter is different (another Flashdrive is already inserted etc)

    See this good review and help @
    Replace SyncToy with FreeFileSync for your SMB backup needs | TechRepublic

    All the best, woz of oz
     
    wozofoz, Jun 15, 2013
    #4