Need a free backup program for Windows

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a free backup program for Windows that allows for differential backups without encryption. Participants are exploring various software options and sharing their experiences with different tools.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is looking for a simple, free program for differential backups, mentioning past use of "Karen's Replicator" and expressing uncertainty about its current status.
  • Another participant recommends Macrium Reflect Free, noting its capability for differential and full backups, but clarifying that it does not support incremental backups in the free version.
  • A participant questions the adequacy of robocopy for backup purposes.
  • A later reply reiterates the question about robocopy, adding a preference to avoid command-line methods due to a desire for simplicity.
  • Another participant points out that robocopy can be scheduled, but notes that this would not provide a graphical user interface.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single recommended backup solution, as participants express differing preferences and experiences with various tools, including Macrium Reflect and robocopy.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the features and limitations of each suggested program, and there are unresolved questions about the usability of command-line tools versus graphical interfaces.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking free backup solutions for Windows, particularly those interested in differential backups without encryption, may find this discussion relevant.

Doc Al
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I'm looking for a free (and simple to use!) program to do differential backups of my files on my Windows laptop. I don't want anything encrypted, just something that can compare files to the backup and add/subtract whatever's been changed.

Years ago, I used "Karen's Replicator". Not sure if that's been kept up to date (after Karen's death). I see something called FreeFileSync, but know nothing about it.

Suggestions?
 
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I've been using Macrium Reflect Free (free version) for a while and so far, so good. The free version can only do differential (and of course full) and not incremental backups.
 
Is robocopy good enough?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Is robocopy good enough?
I want to avoid command-line backup methods. (I'm lazy!)
 
Well, you can schedule the task. Then there is no user interface, graphical or otherwise.
 

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