A way to regularly copy/ update files from main disk to a backup disk?

[branskyj]

Hello,

My current situation is- I have an SSD for my Windows 10. I also have 2 identical 4TB HDDs in my computer -one of them is quite full with important data and the other one is completely empty.

I would like to have a set- up where all my folders and files from the full disk will be copy/ pasted onto the empty one and AFTER that I will need a copy/ paste only of the files that have been added to the full disk afterwards.

1. I don't know if I need to create a RAID 1 or if there is a software that can be set up to regularly update the changes. For instance every night after I stop using the PC. I do not have a RAID card and would prefer to not spend money on one.

2. I tried using Storage Spaces in Windows 10 but one of my hard drives is already full and it warned me that all the data on it will be permanently deleted.

3. If I were to create RAID 1 would that also wipe out all the information on my full drive?

Any advise is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[mikeymikec]

3: I'd back up to a separate device and disconnect it before trying to set up RAID1, just in case.

A note on backups in general - if the drive is constantly connected and accessible by Windows, it's not as good a backup from one respect being a ransomware type of attack, as such attacks will try to target any accessible (from Windows itself) file system, so you'd lose your backup.

 

[richaron]

I use rsync to do sorta what OP is asking. I assume windows programs based on rsync would be useful also, and you can find a few options with a quick search.

 

[WildW]

There's also SyncToy, a free Microsoft tool that will duplicate one folder to another by just comparing and updating the changes. Not too many complex options but quite easy to set up.

 

[branskyj]

I see, I will definitely give SyncToy, rsync and DeltaCopy a try tonight and see what happens. I hope it works out well.
Much appreciated, guys

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Scheduled tasks + .bat or powershell + robocopy.

 

[Charlie98]

I use a bit of a different approach... I just backup the entire drive every night with Acronis. Acronis allows incremental backups, too, for something like you describe. I prefer something that will operate at night, when I'm not working on the computer.

Also... you mention that your one drive is full already... that's a recipe for disaster, as drive performance seriously drops approaching max capacity. Just my .02 worth.

Further, what MikeyMike says is correct. Additionally, I use an external HDD to back my OS drive up to about once every two weeks, I can disconnect it and put it in the safe. In my case, 2 weeks is a reasonable threshold... I can rebuild 2 weeks of data if I have too. YMMV. 4TB of 'important' data is a LOT of data to lose to a failing drive or a system anomaly like a virus or theft.

 

[aigomorla]

Microsoft One drive. :X

I use that mostly now, to backup really really important data.