Free backup software?

**Potemkine** · 11-19-09, 04:28 PM

Anyone know where I can get my grubby little paws on a software that backs up your files/programs on an external for free? I tried using the back-up utility on xp via the control panel, but it BSOD'ed. Did so for the second time I tried it and when it reboot, it BSODed again for some reason then booted normally. I guess XP doesnt like that back up software. I am planning on making the move from XP 32bit to win7 64bit very soon and I need to back up all my data so its not lost. I know I am going to have to do a "custom" install if I go via the upgrade, but I am going to see if I can't wiggle a full copy of win7 home premium 64bit via the student deal.

Thoughts on a back-up software?

**Phyrelight** · 11-19-09, 04:33 PM

do a search for microsoft migration wizard.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=microsoft+migration+wizard
It's a Microsoft product and it's free. It will create a file that stores all your stuff and then you can put it on your new system. Even copies things like your email settings.

It will not transfer your personal documents like pictures and junk. I use a program called alwaysynch to synch my main system and a backup drive.

**Potemkine** · 11-19-09, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by Phyrelight

do a search for microsoft migration wizard.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=microsoft+migration+wizard
It's a Microsoft product and it's free. It will create a file that stores all your stuff and then you can put it on your new system. Even copies things like your email settings.

It will not transfer your personal documents like pictures and junk. I use a program called alwaysynch to synch my main system and a backup drive.

haha. Very funny. I tried something else that windows was suggesting, but it was a colossal failure as it was taking forever and a day to do stuff. Just wanted to pool the community to see what else is out there. I guess you havent had any issues with anysync then? It says free...I like free.

**Phyrelight** · 11-19-09, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by Potemkine

Originally Posted by Phyrelight

do a search for microsoft migration wizard.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=microsoft+migration+wizard
It's a Microsoft product and it's free. It will create a file that stores all your stuff and then you can put it on your new system. Even copies things like your email settings.

It will not transfer your personal documents like pictures and junk. I use a program called alwaysynch to synch my main system and a backup drive.

haha. Very funny. I tried something else that windows was suggesting, but it was a colossal failure as it was taking forever and a day to do stuff. Just wanted to pool the community to see what else is out there. I guess you havent had any issues with anysync then? It says free...I like free.

its free for personal use...if you use it heavily it will prompt you to buy a license. I like the version you put on the external HD rather than the version that installs on your system. The one on your system uses your system clock to check for usage etc and prompts for pro license key on heavy use. You can let it sit until your usage goes down to the free range. The version "to go" that installs on a usb flash drive or external hard drive has never prompted me.

**Cybs** · 11-19-09, 05:55 PM

If you have access to a Win 7 64 computer already, you can use the Easy Transfer Wizard to transfer all of your stuff. I just used it on my GF's old laptop to migrate everything to her new laptop and it worked great.

Basically, the program can run from a thumb drive or external HDD. The wizard creates a file at a location that you designate (In this instance on your external HDD). It then collects all the info from your old computer; pictures, videos, documents, favorites, music... etc. Plug the HDD into the target computer, double click the file and Win 7 automatically sorts it and puts it where it should be.

Although, of course I would recommend doing a FULL backup in addition to the above so worst case, you have a complete backup of how it was before anything changed.

If your HDD is a Western Digital drive, you can download Acronis Home from their site free. If your like me and have multiple WD HDDs in a raid... it won't recognize them as WD drives and won't run.

Other then all of that, I buy any major software like this since I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for.

**Potemkine** · 11-19-09, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by Cybs

If you have access to a Win 7 64 computer already, you can use the Easy Transfer Wizard to transfer all of your stuff. I just used it on my GF's old laptop to migrate everything to her new laptop and it worked great.

Basically, the program can run from a thumb drive or external HDD. The wizard creates a file at a location that you designate (In this instance on your external HDD). It then collects all the info from your old computer; pictures, videos, documents, favorites, music... etc. Plug the HDD into the target computer, double click the file and Win 7 automatically sorts it and puts it where it should be.

Although, of course I would recommend doing a FULL backup in addition to the above so worst case, you have a complete backup of how it was before anything changed.

If your HDD is a Western Digital drive, you can download Acronis Home from their site free. If your like me and have multiple WD HDDs in a raid... it won't recognize them as WD drives and won't run.

Other then all of that, I buy any major software like this since I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for.

I would be the first one getting and using win7. I have a seagate external 500Gig HD and a Seagate baracude 750gig internals.

Phyrelight, in terms of what you are referring to, do you DL the program strait to the external HDD or is there a specific version for the external.

**Cybs** · 11-19-09, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by Potemkine

I would be the first one getting and using win7. I have a seagate external 500Gig HD and a Seagate baracude 750gig internals.

Apparently Seagate offers a data migration program as well. I can't say it will work for your purposes, but who knows.

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.js...00dd04090aRCRD

**Phyrelight** · 11-20-09, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Potemkine

Originally Posted by Cybs

If you have access to a Win 7 64 computer already, you can use the Easy Transfer Wizard to transfer all of your stuff. I just used it on my GF's old laptop to migrate everything to her new laptop and it worked great.

Basically, the program can run from a thumb drive or external HDD. The wizard creates a file at a location that you designate (In this instance on your external HDD). It then collects all the info from your old computer; pictures, videos, documents, favorites, music... etc. Plug the HDD into the target computer, double click the file and Win 7 automatically sorts it and puts it where it should be.

Although, of course I would recommend doing a FULL backup in addition to the above so worst case, you have a complete backup of how it was before anything changed.

If your HDD is a Western Digital drive, you can download Acronis Home from their site free. If your like me and have multiple WD HDDs in a raid... it won't recognize them as WD drives and won't run.

Other then all of that, I buy any major software like this since I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for.

I would be the first one getting and using win7. I have a seagate external 500Gig HD and a Seagate baracude 750gig internals.

Phyrelight, in terms of what you are referring to, do you DL the program strait to the external HDD or is there a specific version for the external.

they have alwaysynch and alwaysynch-n-go the "n-go" version you put on the external or thumb drive and click the executable...so install it from and on the external. It doesn't install anything to the local machine. It stores all the configuration files and makes a folder for itself on the external. Then you can plug it in anywhere and access the synch program.