Backing up hard drive manually?

Merlow

Prominent
Mar 30, 2017
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I have 2 portable hard drives. I want to use one as the main and the second as backup. The backup drive already has other data stored on it which needs to remain there. I need to mirror the main onto the backup at regular intervals. What is the best way to do this?

My concern is when making changes to files on the main drive. If I copy them onto the backup drive will it overwrite the existing files if the names are the same? And if I delete files on the main drive and copy onto the backup drive will it delete those on the backup?

Edited: changed storage
 
Solution
Robocopy will do just the folders you tell it to or the entire drive.
You can add files to a drive. Be sure to read the documentation that comes with Robocopy.

RolandJS

Reputable
Mar 10, 2017
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If you use FreeFileSync or anything similar with the correct parameters and clicks, you can do everything you want. I do recommend using Macrium Reflect or anything similar to make full image backups onto external media that is disconnected from the computer and safely stored in another room, or, better yet, in a safe.
 

Merlow

Prominent
Mar 30, 2017
3
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510

Correct