I am trying to setup a backup for my system using Dantz Retrospect Pro and swapping external hard drives. This is what I would like to be able to do with the hard drive - to have a shortcut that runs a script or macro that will turn on and off the external hard drive that is used for back up so that it is on only when it is needed and off the rest of the time in order to protect the hard drive and allow for swapping hard drives without powering down the whole system.
I know how to shut off / disable the hard drive in Computer Management > Device Manager > Disk Management and how to bring it back online. This requires some knowledge of proper steps (several) and things do not always work perfectly each time, which requires care in making sure things are done properly to keep data from being lost. Therefore, my reason for a shortcut, that does not require so many steps and any knowledge except which shortcut to click for on or off.
The implementation of backup (checking the log and swapping disks) will be done by someone who has limited computer knowledge as far as hardware is concerned.
I am using Windows XP Pro, Intel D875PBZ motherboard, Antec TruePower 420w PS, 200GB WD SATA Hard Drive with SATA connection to a External Port SATA Adapter Card - Silicon Image Sil 3112 SATARAID Controller and the External Hard Drive Case has its own power source which connects directly to the UPS.
I have been making the disks dynamic instead of basic so that it would retain its proper drive letters for the simple volumes used. This is important as the hard drives are swapped they need to retain drive letters so that the proper backup sets match with the drive letter being used. It is my understanding that using basic disks partitioned into primary or extended/logical drives may lose there drive letter assignment when removed. Are dynamic disks better for this or would basic disks be better and which would be better or worse as far as disabling and enabling.
Sorry this got so long, but I wanted you to understand that the question is about the shortcut and simplicity of turning on and off. Also about whether it is better to use dynamic or basic disks and why?
Thank You
