Need a backup program.

[techs]

I want to back up onto an external hard drive. Many programs put the files in their own unique format, and I don't like that. I want to be able to search my backup drive thru windows.

NTI is ok, but it puts the files into its own format.
Seagate Manager is good, but it can't back system files.

What are the best backup programs out there?
Thanks

 

[sivart]

I've been using the freeware fbackup (http://www.fbackup.com/). It does a mirror backup for the folders you select. I have it setup to keep in sync with my current folders and don't keep versions. Works well for me and I save to both an external hard drive (that goes in the fireproof safe) and my NAS box.

 

[techs]

I've been using the freeware fbackup (http://www.fbackup.com/). It does a mirror backup for the folders you select. I have it setup to keep in sync with my current folders and don't keep versions. Works well for me and I save to both an external hard drive (that goes in the fireproof safe) and my NAS box.

Looks good. This is somewhat confusing:
"When using the full backup type, the sources will be archived using standard zip compression."

Does that mean if I don't do a "full backup" it won't compress the files and leave them accessible thru Windows???

 

[AFurryReptile]

Here's a good list. I've tried every one on it, they're all good. Personally I use GFI.

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-backup-program

 

[sivart]

Looks good. This is somewhat confusing:
"When using the full backup type, the sources will be archived using standard zip compression."

Does that mean if I don't do a "full backup" it won't compress the files and leave them accessible thru Windows???

Yes, that is correct. You have two choices of backup
Full -- a zip file
Mirror -- looks like your drive (I.e. My Documents and all of the subfolders are accessible just like they are on your main drive).

I use the mirror option, so if I need to recover a single file, I just use Windows explorer and navigate to the folder it was stored in.

 

[techs]

Thanks to all.

 

[AkumaX]

i've been using bvckup, pretty neat!

 

[techs]

i've been using bvckup, pretty neat!

I can't find that one.

btw all the ones listed still backup to zip or other compressed files.

I don't mind paying for a program, so if anyone knows of any please let me know.

 

[Blazer7]

You can find bvckup here -> http://www.bvckup.com/

I use Syncback freeware. It supports compression and synchronization. It's definitely worth a look.

 

[Gooberlx2]

I think the newest version of Cobian finally supports VSS on x64 windows. I haven't used it in a while (I'm just using CrashPlan), but it worked great the last time I did.

 

[sivart]

btw all the ones listed still backup to zip or other compressed files.

As I mentioned before, fbackup gives you the choice. Here is what the backup looks like (uncompressed and no zip file) on my NAS box.

I can browse these files just like any on my C: drive.

 

[Modelworks]

When you say backup are you wanting something that can restore a system drive or something that can just sync files ?

 

[AFurryReptile]

I can't find that one.

btw all the ones listed still backup to zip or other compressed files.

I don't mind paying for a program, so if anyone knows of any please let me know.

It sounds like you're looking for a synchronization utility, not a backup program. You might look at these:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-folder-synchronization-utility.htm

It isn't rated as highly as it should be, but Syncback is pretty good.

 

[techs]

thanks. I am going to check out the new ones recommended.