What is the optimal method for backing up your computer in 2022?
What is the optimal method for backing up your computer in 2022?
I previously used Macrium, but it lost reliability and I can't recall the reason. I also tried Make Disk Image, which worked well before, but I haven't done it since 2017. What's the most effective backup method today?
The positive aspect of this discussion is that individuals are considering data backups and taking action.
A significant portion of the issues we encounter would be easily resolved with proper backups.
i create individual copies of all my crucial user information and system files;
game saves, personal configurations, app settings, projects, additional user data, etc.
plus full operating system and application system images.
these are periodically backed up every two weeks, adjusting the frequency based on data changes.
i store all my media (audio, video, etc.) separately on a 3TB external drive,
and keep my installation packages and mods on another 3TB drive.
later, I back up everything again to a larger 8TB external storage.
there’s no single optimal method.
many people still rely on Macrium and achieve reliable results.
for years, I’ve also used Acronis True Image (now updated to
Cyber Protect Home).
others claim they work well with basic Windows backup images.
consider options for full system backups, incremental backups, and cloud storage,
depending on your preferences.
just ensure the backup solution fits your personal requirements.
What initially deterred you from using Macrium was its role as the foundation of your backup process. You rely on it consistently each day. What about your own backup setup at home? And why not? You frequently encounter situations where data is lost—whether it's a dead drive, a dropped phone, a virus, or an accidental deletion. Reading discussions on forums like forums. highlights the challenges many face.
I have been using Acronis for many years. Backup options include folder, partition or drive methods. Full, incremental and differential backups are available. Two copies are stored on NAS and a third on the cloud.
all crucial documents which contain (but are not limited to) family and friend pictures at gatherings, pet images, game photos are duplicated across three different computers. And as an extra layer of protection, the most vital files are stored on multiple 32 GB flash drives. It would take something as severe as a house fire or a thief taking everything to permanently lose essential information.
The optimal method varies based on your requirements.
I simply follow this routine:
I have three copies stored on an external USB drive, a NAS with RAID1, and a cloud backup service.
I employ FreeFileSync to prepare the external USB drive with updates.
FreeFileSync duplicates the external USB to the NAS.
The cloud backup tool transfers the data from the external USB to the cloud.
Why do I follow this approach?
I prefer standard access to my files, so I avoid relying on additional utilities.
I don’t require file history; anything needing it is already configured with another tool (like git), and I rarely modify files.
FreeFileSync efficiently identifies changed files, updates them, and copies only what’s needed.
In retrospect, I might benefit from using the NAS for staging and possibly adding a hot spare.
I've noticed that most automated software doesn't function as expected in practice. I usually just drag and drop the files into File Explorer, perhaps once a month, and rely on Windows Restore to handle the OS with backup points.
Our perspectives vary...
😉
Recovery Points?
Wishing you success with that for a dead drive.