I'm running XP SP2 and want to create a backup strategy that will facilitate
replacing and restoring the hard disk should that become necessary in the
future.
1) Partition the hard disk and keep current backups of the apps and data
files on DVD?
2) Use a USB external drive?
3) Nero BackItUp won't let me make an image of c: to DVD. Why?
Any guidance would be appreciated!

I use Norton Ghost to create image files of the entire HDD to a
removable HDD in conjuntion with burning important data files to
optical media. with Nero.

If the HDD goes south I can restore an image quickly and then copy
data files back over.
The frequency for creating the image file will depend on how often
your HDD config changes in a given period of time. Important data
should be backed up on a daily basis and written to CD/DVD media
as an example.

rgds
Robert

"likes_dals" <likesdals@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8975A0CD-55AD-4836-A5F5-62015989B715@microsoft.com...
> I'm running XP SP2 and want to create a backup strategy that will
> facilitate
> replacing and restoring the hard disk should that become necessary in the
> future.
> 1) Partition the hard disk and keep current backups of the apps and data
> files on DVD?
> 2) Use a USB external drive?
> 3) Nero BackItUp won't let me make an image of c: to DVD. Why?
> Any guidance would be appreciated!
>
>

"likes_dals" <likesdals@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8975A0CD-55AD-4836-A5F5-62015989B715@microsoft.com...
> I'm running XP SP2 and want to create a backup strategy that will
facilitate
> replacing and restoring the hard disk should that become necessary in the
> future.
> 1) Partition the hard disk and keep current backups of the apps and data
> files on DVD?
> 2) Use a USB external drive?
> 3) Nero BackItUp won't let me make an image of c: to DVD. Why?
> Any guidance would be appreciated!
>

While burnt CDs and DVDs are far more reliable than floppy
disks, I still have my fair share of failures. Some burnt CDs/
DVDs work fine for a while, then they fail, even when burnt
at only 12x speed on a burner capable of 48x. I recommend
you use an external USB drive.

Pegasus
Never had a bad CD, but I use good quality blanks not the el cheapo
"No Name" ones, but I think you would know all about good quality
media?.
Personally I use removable HDD caddies, but USB drivers are an equaliy
good option.
rgds
Robert


"Pegasus (MVP)" <I.can@fly.com> wrote in message
news:epeEbVe3FHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>
> "likes_dals" <likesdals@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:8975A0CD-55AD-4836-A5F5-62015989B715@microsoft.com...
>> I'm running XP SP2 and want to create a backup strategy that will
> facilitate
>> replacing and restoring the hard disk should that become necessary in the
>> future.
>> 1) Partition the hard disk and keep current backups of the apps and data
>> files on DVD?
>> 2) Use a USB external drive?
>> 3) Nero BackItUp won't let me make an image of c: to DVD. Why?
>> Any guidance would be appreciated!
>>
>
> While burnt CDs and DVDs are far more reliable than floppy
> disks, I still have my fair share of failures. Some burnt CDs/
> DVDs work fine for a while, then they fail, even when burnt
> at only 12x speed on a burner capable of 48x. I recommend
> you use an external USB drive.
>
>
>
>

There are over 24 million web pages dedicated to backup strategy. Google for
the same. Once you learn what others do, the benefits and pitfalls of each,
you will be able to decide which of hundreds are good for you.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=backup+strategy

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

"likes_dals" <likesdals@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8975A0CD-55AD-4836-A5F5-62015989B715@microsoft.com...
> I'm running XP SP2 and want to create a backup strategy that will
> facilitate
> replacing and restoring the hard disk should that become necessary in the
> future.
> 1) Partition the hard disk and keep current backups of the apps and data
> files on DVD?
> 2) Use a USB external drive?
> 3) Nero BackItUp won't let me make an image of c: to DVD. Why?
> Any guidance would be appreciated!
>
>