Need solid basic file-by-file backup program

[MplsBob]

I need a basic file-by-file backup program to perform backup to an external (USB 3.0) large hard drive that is connected only when needed. No continuous backup, no clouds, no "for our clients" schmaltz. Something like the HOME version of Acronis used to be ( I am afraid to use Acronis after the huge number of problems they were experiencing, don't know if they have things under control even now. Now they are in the business of backing up to the cloud. Their site is all blah-blah-blah accompanied by whirly line drawings and absolutely no meaningful content).

Almost forgot: Compression would be a very desirable feature.

And of course it has to have a boot disk so that I would be able to recover from catastrophic failure.


I hope this is the right forum, tell me if not and tell which is the correct one.

 

[ringtail]

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/76a310d7-9925-4571-a252-0e28960d5f89

basic file-by-file backup, as you requested,with many options

 

[somethingsketchy]

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/76a310d7-9925-4571-a252-0e28960d5f89

basic file-by-file backup, as you requested,with many options

+1

This or Robocopy (also available in Windows 7) does a great job at doing file-by-file copying to any destination (external HDD or network).

 

[oynaz]

Crashplan can do this as well.
As can Allway Sync.

 

[Magellan1]

xcopy mentioned above is a really good one, main draw back though is the lack of a user interface...there is also WinDataReflector, which is free and has visual comparison and compression but can't create OS images.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

I like Macrium reflect, and there is a free version as well.

 

[Steltek]

I like Macrium reflect, and there is a free version as well.

+1

 

[stfamanda]

I personally use Genie backup manger, great piece of software

 

[CHADBOGA]

When doing back ups, is there a downside to after doing your first back up, only doing incremental back ups to reflect only new files and/or file changes?

Not all of the back up programs allow for this, so that might be why some people don't back up in this fashion, but other than that, is there a good reason to not take this course of action?

 

[jolancer]

i use: http://www.sysresccd.org/Download
using this linux cmd referenc: http://linux.die.net/man/8/ntfsclone
backup: ntfsclone --save-image --output backup.img /dev/hda1
restore: ntfsclone --restore-image --overwrite /dev/hda1 backup.img

there maybe more user friendly methods but for those who like me prefer less BS even tho it takes a little more research.. method above for example doesn't require installing anything leaves the partition pritty much as is. and on a per-file basis the probably most popular reliable well known customizable linux cmd for that is: rsync ,though i personally havnt learn it yet 😉

When doing back ups, is there a downside to after doing your first back up, only doing incremental back ups to reflect only new files and/or file changes?

Not all of the back up programs allow for this, so that might be why some people don't back up in this fashion, but other than that, is there a good reason to not take this course of action?

Thats probably what Timemachine or whatever its called for OSx does, theres probably linux applications that can do it too that im not aware of.
[EDIT] Oh sorry, unless your not refering to your OperatingSystem Partition?? you mean just your Data Files? if you mean just you Data partition oh theres no problem with that.