Free alternative to windows backup (for small business server 2003)

[rustyjeep]

I'm sick of the lack of features of windows backup. I can't even find a way to be notified of success / failure. I'm looking for a free replacement to it to backup my server (I'm backing up to a single tape drive BTW).

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Terry

 

[archcommus]

I never understood why you'd want to backup to a compressed file format that can only be read by the program that made it (Windows Backup).

 

[DAGTA]

I use Robocopy. It's a tiny command line program that simply copies files and folders from one location to another. I backup to another PC which then later backs up to a second hard drive.

 

[FoBoT]

you want something with features for free?
ok


i use robocopy and scheduled tasks

 

[archcommus]

Does Robocopy "copy" or "sync." If it just "copies" regardless of whether the data needs changed or not then that seems like a big time waster.

ViceVersa Pro FTW. Awesome software.

 

[rustyjeep]

archcommus - I thought that all backup programs were like that. I've used Arcserve (by CA I believe) for about 5 years, and I dont' believe those tapes can be read by any other software. As for only being able to be read by windows backup - all you'd have to do is find a windows machine.

 

[statik213]

Originally posted by: archcommus
Does Robocopy "copy" or "sync." If it just "copies" regardless of whether the data needs changed or not then that seems like a big time waster.

ViceVersa Pro FTW. Awesome software.

robocopy can 'sync' with /MIR flag

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: rustyjeep
archcommus - I thought that all backup programs were like that. I've used Arcserve (by CA I believe) for about 5 years, and I dont' believe those tapes can be read by any other software. As for only being able to be read by windows backup - all you'd have to do is find a windows machine.

I prefer syncing folders. Then you just have another regular copy of everything and no compressed archive file.

 

[DAGTA]

Originally posted by: archcommus
Does Robocopy "copy" or "sync." If it just "copies" regardless of whether the data needs changed or not then that seems like a big time waster.

ViceVersa Pro FTW. Awesome software.

Robocopy syncs.

 

[vi edit]

Does that Small Business include the Exchange mail store? If so, you'll want something that can shut down the Exchange services before backing it up.