Backup procedure: Windows backup or just copy?

[Easto]

I'm starting to aquire a lot of photos that I am backing up. I have the additional external drives and hardware (esata connections) to a docking station etc etc. My questions is... Is it just best to drap and drop or is there another adavantage to using Win 7 backup? I understand with Win 7 backup I can restore to a saved point but I really want to be able to use the external drive with other computers in the house.

Just looking for suggestions

BTW, my backups and storage does include keeping copies offsite (at my Dad's house) along with DVD and HDD backups kept here.

[YeOldeStonecat]

If you're focused on just the Pictures directory..use a stand alone program like SyncToy or FreeFileSync (better than SyncToy in some ways)

[Easto]

YOS - Thanks, I'll look into those. Right now I'm just doing the drag and drop but I was hoping to automate it a little... thanks.

[RaisinCain]

Just create a batch file that will copy files from one folder to the backup folder.

[Easto]

Just create a batch file that will copy files from one folder to the backup folder.

I know what you mean. Up until now I would just drag and drop my folder to my backup drive and let it do it's thing while I went for lunch but... I was just looking for something that's a little user friendly so I could install it on my wife's computer and she could get in the habit of backing up regularly with much hassle.

[RaisinCain]

Just make a batch file and then put a shortcut to it on her desktop.

[YeOldeStonecat]

I know what you mean. Up until now I would just drag and drop my folder to my backup drive and let it do it's thing while I went for lunch but... I was just looking for something that's a little user friendly so I could install it on my wife's computer and she could get in the habit of backing up regularly with much hassle.

You can make it easier.....just set up a job in scheduler and make it automatically happen without user intervention.
http://www.pchell.com/support/synctoy.shtml

[Shinobi]

I'm starting to aquire a lot of photos that I am backing up. I have the additional external drives and hardware (esata connections) to a docking station etc etc. My questions is... Is it just best to drap and drop or is there another adavantage to using Win 7 backup? I understand with Win 7 backup I can restore to a saved point but I really want to be able to use the external drive with other computers in the house.

Just looking for suggestions

BTW, my backups and storage does include keeping copies offsite (at my Dad's house) along with DVD and HDD backups kept here.

If you have Windows 7 ultimate or Vista Ultimate, I would use Sync Center. Everything I log into my Windows 7 computer upstairs, anything that has taking a picture of, it automatically sync new pictures and video up to my computer. Set it and forget it is nice..

Like YOSC said Sync Toy is also a good option. I have also used Sync toy before Windows 7, like on Windows XP... and you can make Sync toy a scheduled task. Take a look at this:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/25046...-in-windows-7/

[Don67]

check out robocopy if you are fit with command line stuff....