donpick
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Need Backup disk strategy ideas
Running Windows 7 pro on a Dell 980 computer. The backup program used is Macrium backup. I need to develop some sort of inexpensive backup disk swap strategy. Two usb drives were purchased to contain backup files. My idea was one could be removed and taken home while the other remained connected and to which backup files were written. Then the next day the staff would the connected drive and connect the other drive.
This has not worked well. The staff forgets to unmount the usb drive . They just remove it. This causes data corruption on the usb drives.
There is too much data to backup into the cloud. The cost to hold several 680 gig backup files in the cloud is way too expensive.
What strategy would you create and why? Please provide a detailed answer. I am not a seasoned computer tech.
This has not worked well. The staff forgets to unmount the usb drive . They just remove it. This causes data corruption on the usb drives.
There is too much data to backup into the cloud. The cost to hold several 680 gig backup files in the cloud is way too expensive.
What strategy would you create and why? Please provide a detailed answer. I am not a seasoned computer tech.
You can backup to the cloud for $8 per month, with versioning. Automated backups. Projected against ransomware.
https://www.druva.com/products/endpoints/plans/
https://www.druva.com/products/endpoints/plans/
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Maybe put a reminder to Dismount The Drive!!! on the background screen, using BGInfo by Microsoft
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/bginfo
https://web.archive.org/web/20170806013538/https://windowsitpro.com/systems-management/bginfo
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/bginfo
https://web.archive.org/web/20170806013538/https://windowsitpro.com/systems-management/bginfo
ASKER
Hello nobus: the docking station looks like a good idea. Which docking station do you use? I am concerned about using Startech devices. I purchased 2 of their S3540BU33E Drive Enclosures and they both failed. I am still trying to recover all the files from the drives used in this device.
Hello rindi: My client will not upgrade to Windows 10. He does not want to pay me to do the upgrades. My goal is to complete the tasks for this client and then fire the client.
Hello rindi: My client will not upgrade to Windows 10. He does not want to pay me to do the upgrades. My goal is to complete the tasks for this client and then fire the client.
ASKER
Hello nobus: My client currently has 2 each 4 terabyte usb drives connected to the 980 computer.
I was told by people in Experts-Exchange that usb drives could be disconnected without using the Windows 7 usb disconnect procedure. I have learned the hard way this is not true.
The users are not going to use the "safely remove hardware" utility . The users view computers as a tool they have to use. They don't care about data safety.
I want the users to remove a backup drive and take it home with them. Then, the next day, attach the drive so it can receive backups.
In a question I posted a while ago about disconnecting usb drives you mentioned
https://www.nirsoft.net/articles/eject_disconnect_usb_device_command_line.html
This might be a useful way for the usb drives to be disconnected before the users remove the drives. I could create a batch file to run this utility after the backup finished.
QUESTION: I'm wondering: After the nirsoft utility has disconnected the usb drive, does the usb drive have to be manually connected again? In other words, after using the nirsoft utility to disconnect a usb drive, if the drive is to be used again, would the usb cable have to be pulled out of the usb connection on the computer and plugged in again for the drive to be available for use?
I was told by people in Experts-Exchange that usb drives could be disconnected without using the Windows 7 usb disconnect procedure. I have learned the hard way this is not true.
The users are not going to use the "safely remove hardware" utility . The users view computers as a tool they have to use. They don't care about data safety.
I want the users to remove a backup drive and take it home with them. Then, the next day, attach the drive so it can receive backups.
In a question I posted a while ago about disconnecting usb drives you mentioned
https://www.nirsoft.net/articles/eject_disconnect_usb_device_command_line.html
This might be a useful way for the usb drives to be disconnected before the users remove the drives. I could create a batch file to run this utility after the backup finished.
QUESTION: I'm wondering: After the nirsoft utility has disconnected the usb drive, does the usb drive have to be manually connected again? In other words, after using the nirsoft utility to disconnect a usb drive, if the drive is to be used again, would the usb cable have to be pulled out of the usb connection on the computer and plugged in again for the drive to be available for use?
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Most simple backup regimes use a GrandFather, Father, Son scheme, ie 3 pieces of backup hardware, but with the advent of small low cost backup devices, i think a daily device would probably be a better bet, ie a device per day - that is if you don't go down the Cloud route as Kevin suggested earlier
ASKER
I wish i had known about Nirsoft a long time ago.
Thank you all for your help.
Once you do have a current & supported OS, just teach your users to work properly.