Hard Drive Backup/Clone/Ghost
#1
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Hard Drive Backup/Clone/Ghost
I keep all of my documents and pics backed up on two external hard drives. Yesterday, I went ahead and bought another internal hard drive. What is the best way to to keep an exact copy of the primary drive? In other words, if the primary crashes, how do I keep and exact plug-and-play copy on the second drive?
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Cypress. Texas 77433
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Mirror your primary HD. There is software out there that will set up the new HD to mirror the primary HD. It will take a bit of research on your part. It also depends on the system you have and what operating system you are running.
Post what you end up doing.
Post what you end up doing.
#3
Chapter President
Thread Starter
Thanks, I have looked at mirror before, but didn't think to look at it this time.
For now, I have used the "Clone" program that came with the Maxtor drive. I'm sure it will work, but it is not a "mirror" image. When I make my final decision, I'll post the results.
For now, I have used the "Clone" program that came with the Maxtor drive. I'm sure it will work, but it is not a "mirror" image. When I make my final decision, I'll post the results.
#5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID
#6
Chapter President
Thread Starter
You may already have this if you have SATA on your Motherboard. Two Identical Drives running RAID 1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID
Hmmmm.....RAID......something I know nothing about. How do I check to see if I have RAID?
#7
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#9
Is your main concern just wanted to ensure you keep all your programs and o/s in tact so you dont have to set everything up again? RAID 1 would be your easiest "set it and forget it" method.
Then you only have to worry about motherboard failure, raid controller failure, logical/file system errors, theft, fire, acts of god and overvoltage. .. all of which shouldn't be a big worry if its just an o/s and apps and time you are trying to save, and no real data.
Then you only have to worry about motherboard failure, raid controller failure, logical/file system errors, theft, fire, acts of god and overvoltage. .. all of which shouldn't be a big worry if its just an o/s and apps and time you are trying to save, and no real data.
#10
Chapter President
Thread Starter
I haven't had all of those happen, but have had a few of them over the years.
I have TWO external HD's that I keep the pics and documents backed up on. Since my biggest failure over the years has been HD failures, I like the RAID idea. Since I know I have SATA, how is the best way to check to see if I have RAID? Is it in the bios?
#11
Is your computer bought or built? You can check in your BIOS but there should documentation that tell you. If not then lookup your motherboard model online. If you have a DELL you can type your "Service Tag" number in at support.dell.com and find out all the details of your computer.
#13
Chapter President
Thread Starter
The wife is moving slow this morning (gonna be late again), so I went and checked the BIOS.
It didn't say anything about RAID, but it did indicate the "SATA Adapter" was "Enabled". Is there any way to tell if it is using both HD's?
It didn't say anything about RAID, but it did indicate the "SATA Adapter" was "Enabled". Is there any way to tell if it is using both HD's?