External Hard Drives: Backup Data & Restore PCs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of external hard drives for backing up data and restoring PCs. Participants explore various aspects including compatibility, setup requirements, and alternative methods for data transfer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that external hard drives can typically be used for backing up data without needing to set them up as slave drives or installing additional software, depending on the operating system.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of formatting and whether external drives come pre-formatted for immediate use.
  • Concerns are raised about compatibility with other PCs, particularly regarding the types of files created during backup and the need for proper software to access them.
  • One participant mentions the possibility of networking with another computer to transfer files, which could eliminate the need for an external hard drive.
  • Another participant proposes using a CD or DVD burner as an alternative for backing up smaller amounts of data, highlighting the capacity of CDs and DVDs.
  • There is a mention of the affordability of hard drives and the convenience of using external casings to convert internal drives into external ones.
  • Some participants express the utility of external hard drives for backing up entire systems and operating systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the best approach for data backup and restoration, with no clear consensus on whether external hard drives or alternative methods are preferable.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific operating systems and hardware limitations, indicating that the effectiveness of the proposed solutions may depend on individual circumstances and configurations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking methods to back up data and restore PCs, particularly those with older systems or limited resources.

Mudvaynelethaldosage
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Would an external hard drive be useful for backing up data so I can restore my pc? Can I just plug one into my USB port and put files on it without having to set it up as a slave? Install software? Format? I actually only want to back up about 1gb. Would I be able to plug it into other pcs and get data from other pcs without any software or jumper settings?
I'm thinking of getting a 4gb hard drive and setting it as a slave drive. I have everything except the hard drive. I'll probably have to deal with the format and OS on the 4gb hard drive conflicting with my system. thank you
 
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Would an external hard drive be useful for backing up data so I can restore my pc?
Yes
Can I just plug one into my USB port and put files on it without having to set it up as a slave? Install software? Format?
To the first question the answer is typically yes. To the second, I think this is dependent upon the operating system you use. Win98, for example, may require a software driver to enable USB support whereas WinXP probably will not. To the third question, I believe many of the external drives come formatted and ready for use, reading the information on the boxes for specific drives may shed more light on your questions.
I actually only want to back up about 1gb. Would I be able to plug it into other pcs and get data from other pcs without any software or jumper settings?
Well, the answer to compatibility with other systems isn’t really going to be much different than what was previously touched on. As for being able to retrieve data the answer may depend on what type of file is created by your backup (if it's something peculiar another computer without the proper software may not know what to do with it). Of course if you simply copy and paste then retrieving won’t be a problem so long as the other computer is able to interface with the drive itself.
I'm thinking of getting a 4gb hard drive and setting it as a slave drive.
Ok, now it sounds like you are switching from external drive ponderings to internal drive musings. The jumpers on external drives are not something you generally have to tamper with, whereas if you’re going internal they are.
I have everything except the hard drive. I'll probably have to deal with the format and OS on the 4gb hard drive conflicting with my system. thank you
What else is there besides the hard drive itself ? Are you saying that you own an external hard drive enclosure but need a drive to put in it? I’m missing something here.

PS
I have seen those little USB thumbdrives exceeding 4GB in capacity. What a sweet thing to own one of those! :smile:

Good luck
 
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I brought up the 4 gb hard drive as an internal slave drive. I have no money for my pc and need to restore. I don't want to lose my files. I have Windows ME, 350mhz pentium2, 320mb ram, 7.83gb hard drive, and lots of problems. No cd burner (working) or I would use that. Thank you for the info, it is very useful
 
If you could network your computer with another having some spare hard disk space you could transfer your files to it. Afterwards you could repair your system with the knowledge your files are safe. If it is possible for you to do this you could avoid the 4GB drive altogether.
 
Thank you very much. I have access to a pc that I could network with mine. I'll be putting up a new thread on how to do my network soon.
 
If it is only 4 GB I would just get a cd burner. At 700MB each you would need 6 cds. If you get a dvd burner you only need 1 4.7GB disc. There is also CD-RW and DVD-RW if you want to write and delete files from these discs.
 
Hard-drives are cheap now, the minimum capacity sold in malaysia is 40GB.
I bought an external casing that can convert internal 3.5" HDD and CDROM/writer to external drive/writer, connected by usb2.0 cable. Very convenient.
 
External hard drives are a great way of backing up your entire hard drive and the operating system.
 

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