What Should I Backup to an External HD with Vista?

Question

Before I upgraded to Vista, I just backed up the "My Documents" folder because it contained all the documents, "My Pictures," music, downloads, etc., etc., but Vista has all these folders separate instead of under "My Documents." So, more recently I've been backing up my entire user name, which is more than I need, but covers everything. The problem arises today when in my attempt to backup everything under my user name, when there is already a previous backup of that file on my external HD, and I find I don't have the space for both. I would think there would be a way to just overwrite the old with the newer version, but it's not giving me that option. It says it will "merge" the two files, and ask me each time what I want to do with files with the same name on each drive. Then when I start, it still says there isn't enough room. There is enough room for one or the other, but clearly the system doesn't understand that.

So -- before my computer crashes, what folders should I backup to save as much data as possible?

Answer 1

you need software to make "incremental" backups (only backing up the files which have changed since the last backup) or a differential backup (backup of all changes since the last full backup)

more here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incremental_backup



you can do this kind of backup with free software such as GFI Backup Home edition

http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/gfi-backup-home-edition/gfibackup.html



alternatively you can create a mirror image backup of your entire drive with Easeus Todo Backup - free here

http://www.todo-backup.com/

Answer 2

I would delete what is currently on your external hard drive, then do a backup of your folder. It is always a good idea to back up to an external data source. If you just made a copy of your user folder on the dame hard drive and the drive crashes, then all data is lost.

Answer 3

First let me start by saying your backing up ENTIRELY to much and generally going about the wrong way of doing it. Only back up specific files you need (documents,music,pictures etc etc). Next you want to cover the rest of your basics by creating a restore point or disk (preferably disk). If you need directions on how to do this look in my sources portion

Answer 4

why don't you just compact all your files to save space. also there are many programs out there that will back up your entire hard drive for you with the click of a button.