[Bellalea]

First let me clarify that I'm new at using an EHD for backing up my files so I have no idea if I'm using it correctly.I have a few questions.

I bought a Hitachi EHD last Spring ( because the sales person said it was a good one) and initially did a full backup of my system.Since then I've only done incremental backups where I'm only backing up what's new.
Should I be doing a full backup more often ?

I thought it was maybe time to do a full backup again, although I must confess I don't understand why it's needed.Why not just always do an incremental backup?

I always opt for the 'Advanced' option where I could chose which files I'm backing up. I try to backup in stages so that it cuts down on the time it takes to complete. For example, I did a full backup of my photos the other night by setting the backup to start when I went to bed. It took 3 or 5 hours to complete (can't remember which). Anyway, a long time!
Is this the best way to handle each backup , where you do it in smaller sections? Wouldn't it take forever if I tried to backup everything at once?

When I had sucessfully backed up my photos, I decided to backup my scrapbooking supplies next. I did everything as usual but when I get to the window that has the progress bar, poof- the window closes before anything is backed up.When I looked for the backup folders for that session, the folders are there, but they are empty.
After multiple attempts at trying a backup of my scrapbooking folder, I gave up and tried backing up my C drive. That worked no problem.
I checked, and there's plenty of room still left on the EHD.I just can't figure out why the backup of the scrapbooking folder won't work.
Can anyone suggest a solution?

Apologies for the long post and multiple queries!
Thanks in advance! Novella

[Vaughnde]

I cannot help you with this question Novella but I can bump it up for others who have more knowledge to see. I hope you can get the answers that you need.

[Bellalea]

Thanks for your response Vaughnde. My computer does the craziest things

I forgot to mention in my original post that my scrapbooking folders and photo folders are on my D drive, in case that makes any difference. I'm using Windows XP on a pc.

[sunnie2004]

I never do a complet back up that is why we have a restore disk or a restoration files IMO All I ever do is back up my pics my adobe stuff and my scrap files, ok some important documents or tuts. I guess I am no help. So sorry

[Reminiscing]

I'm about to get an external hard drive so I'm going to be watching this thread.

[April Showers]

We do a full system back-up every month, and incremental ones-- well, I'm not quite sure how often since I didn't set it up. Ours backs up to an internal hard drive, and I do a duplicate back- up of my photos and scrapbook stuff onto 3 different EHD's. I also have DVD back-ups for most of my stuff. I'm way behind on those though. We also keep a full back-up on a hard drive off-site (we use the safe deposit box.) An online back-up service like Carbonite or Mozy works for this too. The goal is to try to have your files in at least 3 places, one off site. My family thought we were nuts until my brother had a fire. Oh, and don't forget to back up your fonts!

[Bellalea]

April Showers, on 05 October 2009 - 10:16 AM, said:

We do a full system back-up every month, and incremental ones-- well, I'm not quite sure how often since I didn't set it up. Ours backs up to an internal hard drive, and I do a duplicate back- up of my photos and scrapbook stuff onto 3 different EHD's. I also have DVD back-ups for most of my stuff. I'm way behind on those though. We also keep a full back-up on a hard drive off-site (we use the safe deposit box.) An online back-up service like Carbonite or Mozy works for this too. The goal is to try to have your files in at least 3 places, one off site. My family thought we were nuts until my brother had a fire. Oh, and don't forget to back up your fonts!

So when you do a full backup every month, do you do everything at once? On my backup system I have 4 options:
1.Photos, Videos, Music
2.Personal Documents
3.Advanced Documents
4.Schedule Backup

I chose Advanced.Then I select a folder or a set of folders (eg. Photos) and back that up. When that's finished(about 3-5hrs. later), I move on to the next set of folders.
Is this the best way to do it? Doesn't your EHD eventually get full?

So many questions! So little brain

Thanks to all who have replied.