Backup utility to mirror folders/files?

Mirror files and folders to another drive...

from WinCustomize Forums
One very important word in computing: backup. Needless to say I've been pretty slacking with backups, and I'm looking for a way to make it easier.

This is what I'd like to do: create mirrors of a few folders onto another drive, and when I add new files/subfolders to these folders, the utility will automatically copy them into the respective location on the other drive.

Example:

I download more pictures from my camera to my pictures/random, the utility will then automatically copy those pics to the same mirrored location on another drive. Or, I get a new icon set in steph/icons/newset, it would add that folder to the steph/icons/ folder on the separate drive.

I was looking at KeepSafe, but from what I could make of it, it only backs up documents that get altered and saved, and looks like it backs them up all to the same location.

Is what I'm after do-able?
72,943 views 18 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Several mirroring utilities here

I haven't tried any of them; I use Acronis True Image. It can do scheduled images of whole drives or just specified folders. It won't monitor a folder and detect when files are added though.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Great, that MirrorFolder one looks just about perfect. Comes with a fully functional 30day trial as well. Now all I need is an external drive to mirror to.
Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Mirroring is ok but remember, if you have real time mirroring on and you do something to screw up your system, your mirror will be screwed up also.

I find it better to use a backup utility and do a complete back up weekly. That way if I make changes, I have a few days for problems to show up. I can then restore my known good backup.

If you have Vista Ultimate, you all ready have a full backup utility that you can configure to back up your system automatically.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I use Syncback for that....9am every day Office files, Litestep themes, Winamp skins, MP3s, GTR racetracks/files are backed up to a separate phys harddrive.....no input from me.

If for any reason a sync fails a log is generated, showing up in IE describing what and why. [eg a virus won't be copied/backed as it's scanned first]...;)

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Mirroring is ok but remember, if you have real time mirroring on and you do something to screw up your system, your mirror will be screwed up also.
End of quote

Yeah I wouldn't have the real-time mirroring on, would just schedule it to synchronize/backup at a certain time. (I have XP Pro)

Syncback looks nice, and it's freeware too. Does it allow to choose multiple directories and such and different destinations for each source?

I'm not too worried about "ah crap, saved this file and shouldn't have" but more about having a backup and having a utility to automatically copy over new/updated files without me having to do it manually.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Syncback looks nice, and it's freeware too. Does it allow to choose multiple directories and such and different destinations for each source?
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Yes...;)

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Was checking it out in more detail, SyncbackSE looks pretty good, $30 for generous licensing is quite reasonable too. And since Jafo recommends it, it must be good.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Looks like Bebi owes Jafo one trip to Tropical Fruit World! ;)
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ah. Thanks Bebi I was going to make a thread asking about this the other day and never got around to it. ;) I'll have to check out Syncback in the morning .

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Cobian Backup is good for copying/mirroring just newly added files to any folder/directory ... is highly configurable and can be scheduled to do weekly, daily backups, even in hourly increments if so desired. Once the initial backup of a folder/directory is completed, Cobian Backup can then mirror just recent additions... meaning it doesn't take forever and a day to complete each time. I've been using it for about 4 years now and find it easy to use as well as efficient... what's more, it is freeware.

To find out more see WWW Link
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I use Second Copy. Worth every penny. I also use ShadowProtect to mirror my main drive AND Carbonite to back-up my stuff online. If I sound paranoid it's because I've had too many hard drives fail.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I use SyncBack's free version and it is easily configurable, automatic, works like a charm and is very fast following the first backup run (copies only new or changed files). I have 3 computers that get backed up using SyncBack nightly. I back up to an external HD, but I've been thinking about trying Carbonite, too, to cover the remote possibility of some home disaster like a fire.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I use Syncback for that....
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Me too. I was so impressed I bought the SE version. That backs up files in use and has loads of scheduling options etc.

A full list of features: SyncBack comparison


Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
Thanks, Fuzz -

I'd forgotten that even the free version let's you back up to FTP.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well, once I get the external I'll definitely be trying SyncbackSE, will likely buy it as well. 
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I find Super Flexible Synchronizer lightening fast and easy to set up!

If you care to join www.donationcoder.com u get 30% off!WWW Link

A great site btw...
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Cobian Backup is good for copying/mirroring just newly added files to any folder/directory
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The one I use as well. Daily incrementals and a full backup each Thursday.

Can run as a program OR a service. FTP, backups with or without compression and will filter compression allowing you to exclude certain filetypes (7zip) Automatic system shutdown upon completion, MUCH MUCH more.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For me Ghost is the best... Latest version can backup files whole harddisk or anything.. comes with image explorer which instantly opens backup..
Try it.. even viruses can't touch the backup... visit symantec
WWW Link