[Steve_X]

Hi guys. I just went through a scare having to use system restore with XP.

Anyway, now I'm considering options for data backup and data separation (storing data separately from the OS and programs).

I've searched the internet regarding these issues but don't feel I quite understand what's involved. Maybe if Iask some questions someone could give me a few tips or point me to a tutorial.

As far as data backup is concerned, do I need a program like Norton Ghost? Is there a safe free alternative?

I currently just have an internal 400GB drive.
Should I get an external USB hard drive for data backup? Should I image my entire setup, or just the data?

Regarding data separation: I understand many people recommend separating data from the OS and programs. What's the best way to do this in XP? I see people talking about moving the user accounts to other disks but I'm really not sure what's involved. Would moving the accounts basically ensure all my data would be stored on the new disk? Would you recommend doing this with an external drive or would I really need another internal drive?

If I want to do both data separation and data backup, how would I accomplish both?

Sorry if I sound confused. It's just that I'm confused. Thanks for listening.

[joeten]

hi try reading through here it may give you a better idea of what your looking for the best freware option for data backup - Google Search

[Hefemeister]

I prefer an external hard drive for backups. I only back up my data on my home computer. For business computers when they are set up I will ghost them for easy restore but I do not do that for personal stuff.

I prefer at least 2 internal hard drives. One smaller one I use for OS and programs. A second larger one for data. I also move the location of users "my documents" to the data drive as well so all I have to do is drag and drop them to my external drive to back them up.

[Steve_X]

Thanks for the replies.

My motherboard has esata capability. Does that change anything?

For example, could I use the external drive (not yet purchased) for both data storage and data backup?

Or would using the external for primary data storage be too slow?

Or unsafe?

What specific esata drive would you recommend?

[Hefemeister]

You could use an external for data storage as well but where would you back up that data? Also the beauty of an external backup drive is the ability to have it in another location. I actually rotate 2 drives. One in house and the other at a family members house.

I am i bit paranoid but when you have your children's entire lives on a hard drive you do not want to loose it.