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    Can I use Windows Easy Transfer as a Backup Program?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by akadoublej, Dec 27, 2009.

  1. akadoublej

    akadoublej Notebook Evangelist

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    I am looking for a really simple way to backup my wife's old Dell laptop running Windows XP. The issue is she has folders with photos, docs, etc. scattered all over the drive.

    My concern is that the drive is going to tank one day and then it will be time to buy a new machine so I thought while it may be slow Windows Easy Transfer would backup everything on the machine and give me a list of all the applications she has installed.

    Is there a better free tool to do this?
     
    akadoublej, Dec 27, 2009
    #1
  2. jeremysdad

    jeremysdad Notebook Evangelist

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    jeremysdad, Dec 27, 2009
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  3. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    The problem is that using easy tranfer will not get all your photos and documents if everything is really scattered all over the drive.

    My advice, set your wife down and get her organizing, then do a backup
     
    gerryf19, Dec 27, 2009
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  4. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    It depends how scattered all the files are.

    If they are within the Document and Settings folder (which will include the desktop), then they will get copied.

    The problem is that it was not designed as a backup program, so you could run into problems during a restore in that it restores the whole profile, not just some of the files.

    Get yourself a copy of Acronis True Image.
     
    surfasb, Dec 27, 2009
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  5. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    Free file backup -- SyncBack free edition (there are others, and maybe something better for your needs -- but that's what I use and it'll do the job ok.

    Free image-based backup -- I haven't used any but if I wanted one I'd try Macrium Reflect free edition... it gets good reviews and there's no trial timeout or anything.

    If you want to spend money, then there are plenty of options.
     
    swarmer, Dec 27, 2009
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  6. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    This reminds me of a lesson we teach all beginning system admins.

    It isn't whether "it will backup your data" that is important, it is whether "it will restore your data when the crap hits the fan" that is important.
     
    surfasb, Dec 29, 2009
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  7. booboo12

    booboo12 Notebook Prophet

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    What about the backup program included with Windows? It's not THAT bad is it?

    That said, I used WET to move to Windows 7 Pro X64 from the RC and was pleased with how well it went.
     
    booboo12, Dec 30, 2009
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