Organizing files and then backing up final versions, while also performing regular incremental backups.
Organizing files and then backing up final versions, while also performing regular incremental backups.
I'm attempting to identify suitable terminology for describing my objectives and current approach to managing my files. Most often, I rely on manually transferring folders to both a local hard drive and a cloud platform, such as Mega, for personal storage and sharing purposes. I'm considering options like incremental backups or Teracopy.
I've been organizing my files and attempting to create effective backups, but I realize I need to include even disorganized folders and project documents regularly. This means maintaining some redundant copies or updating files frequently. I also have items like renamed photos from social media on my phone, which could later be restored in full quality. It's not always feasible to request original files from others. It would be ideal if I could consolidate all high-quality versions with their original names into a single folder or structured hierarchy.
I'm looking for a consistent strategy. Currently, my process involves manually saving and copying files, sorting them, placing them in an intermediate folder, and possibly another redundant one (without symlinks), while organizing a few key folders. I perform full backups periodically with updates.
My goal is to preserve archived, untouched versions while keeping organized collections for sharing or smaller media. I also need regular backups. It's quite complex, mainly due to the need for redundancy and managing an intermediary folder. My aim is to simplify this by sorting and backing up on the same day whenever possible.
Below is a more detailed explanation of my background and intentions:
:::
I'm working on establishing a routine for organizing and backing up my files—primarily documents, projects, media, and some software. I occasionally forget which tools I used previously to manage my software list, though I've tried Macrium Reflect, Acronis, EaseUS, and Comodo. I'm open to comparing imaging versus cloning but prefer a browsable filesystem without relying on proprietary formats.
I've explored paid solutions like Macrium Reflect, Acronis, and free options such as EaseUS and Comodo with incremental backup features. I'm also considering software for file size monitoring (e.g., WinDirStat, Directory Opus) and duplicate detection (DupeGuru, Similarity App). For music, I use MusicBrainz Picard and MP3Tag.
Currently, my workflow involves manual copying, using reliable copying tools like Teracopy, and employing utilities such as WinDirStat and Directory Opus for monitoring. I'm experimenting with DupeGuru for duplicate detection but find it less effective than expected. My priority is to avoid being locked into a single software's proprietary format while ensuring redundancy and ease of access.
I'm seeking a streamlined method—ideally a unified folder with tags or a pool of categories—to simplify sorting and organization.
I perform full drive backups and then incremental or differential backups. You'll need to handle the duplicate entries yourself.
There might be options for incremental or differential updates limited to a single folder. Alternatively, the paid Macrium Reflect version could be an option. The free version doesn't seem to support incremental updates either. Let me know if you need further help.
Paid Macrium handles folders but remains within the Macrium file category. FreeFileSync or SyncBack Free only transfer individual files. I've applied these to duplicate content across multiple folders. Choose two folders, sync in both directions. Now, both folders contain the complete file collection. Remove one.
FreeFileSync support versioning is somewhat similar to incremental backup, except when a file is removed or replaced by a newer version—backups of deleted files shift to a new folder layout rather than being permanently deleted. This allows old versions and previously backed-up files to still be accessed later. This setup functions for me, but I’m unsure which versioning approach is most effective overall.