How should I backup my hard disk on another drive AS IT IS without creating any kind of an image?

Sohang Lal

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May 9, 2014
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I don't want an image or a compressed format of the original data. What i want is the data in its original format. I searched alot but couldn't find a program that just COPIES the data as it is. Thanks in Advance
 
Solution
You can use "cloning" software which makes the backup drive an exact copy of the original drive.
You can copy files from it if original file becomes corrupted, you can even boot into Windows from it when the original drive fails.
Note: Most disk-imaging software can also clone, it's just up to you to choose the correct tool from the software interface.

Free disk cloning software

Macrium Reflect Free: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

CloneZilla: http://clonezilla.org/

Traildriver

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Sep 10, 2010
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I use FreeFIle Sync. Copies across in original format to your backup media (I use external drives).

First use will be long because it's copying everything across, a faster transfer system helps. After that, during repeated use the software compares both sets of data and only updates changes.




 
You can use "cloning" software which makes the backup drive an exact copy of the original drive.
You can copy files from it if original file becomes corrupted, you can even boot into Windows from it when the original drive fails.
Note: Most disk-imaging software can also clone, it's just up to you to choose the correct tool from the software interface.

Free disk cloning software

Macrium Reflect Free: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

CloneZilla: http://clonezilla.org/

 
Solution

Sohang Lal

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May 9, 2014
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Isn't there some program/ do any of the programs mentioned above support cloning multiple drives from various locations on my network to my computer and that the software/program should backups automatically without my intervention. I couldn't try out all the programs since I have a slow internet connection but Free File Sync did it for the time being. Thank you all for answering my question.
 

Traildriver

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Your original question did not indicate you were interested in network backup on a regular basis.

There is a solution, but it will take some learning.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/back-up-files#1TC=windows-7
http://www.trustyetc.com/trustyblog/2012/10/07/automatic-backup-with-freefilesync/
http://windows.appstorm.net/how-to/utilities/keep-your-documents-in-sync-with-freefilesync/
http://www.dantechsystems.co.uk/2013/04/18/backup-windows-7/
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2278661,00.asp
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/homenetworking/a/networkbackup.htm
http://www.todo-backup.com/products/features/network-backup.htm

In your case it sounds like you want back up several drives and folders located at one physical location (such as a business) to a separate physical location in case of break-in, fire, or hardware failure. All done automatically. A server PC or a NAS located offsite might be a solution. There is also the cloud as a solution but that involves regular fees and reliance on others for security.

I find that a manual backup on a regular basis works for me because of my fear that an automatic backup will overwrite a good file with a bad newer version. Or that I "need" the control over my computer... control issues perhaps... In any case I regularily rotate backups to my external drives (three of 'em) and store two of them elsewhere at all times, leaving only one on my network.

The saddest stories I have read on here are those from people who lost everything because they did no file back up or used thumb drives that failed or had a hardware theft or loss occur.

Kudos to you for looking for a solution to your situation

(spelling is not my forte thus the edit)