Windows 7 has great new backup fatures in the business (professional) editions such as the ability to backup an image of the drive, in addition to file level backup. The best practice scenario is to do both, but with image backup turned off (unchecked) in the file level scheduled backup settings. Manually creating a backup image helps to mitigate risks associated with imaging an unstable system.

The new Win7 library feature allows you to add drives or folders to the library index but we have seen problems causing backup errors with reparse point folders added to the library. Win7 does not traverse reparse points but nodes added to the library as an added library item will be traversed. If you experience backup failed errors look in the library list in Windows Explorer and uncheck any added folders or external drives to test if this is causing the issue.

We have also seen backup errors occur when a folder container with music or videos is stored outside of the system designated music or video folder, such as on the desktop.

In Vista business (and Ultimate) you cannot backup files that have been encrypted using the Encrypted File System (EFS). In Vista Business you have the Backup Computer option in addition to Backup files option. The Backup Computer option takes an image of the hard disk partitions you select including the system drive, and allows you to back up all files, settings and programs, including EFS files.

The only people who can decrypt an EFS file is the person who owns the file (user account name), a nominated (recovery agent) user name, or users given NTFS level permissions. If you want to decrypt your EFS files before migrating the data from XP to a new Vista computer:

To remove EFS from a folder you must be the original user who enabled EFS (or the Recovery Agent) the process is similar. Navigate to the folder, right click and choose properties, advanced and follow the steps above.

 

You can save a lot of money on computer repairs and replacement of hard drives, data recovery costs or data loss by being prepared and managing backup.

One of the key issues affecting hard disk failure and sudden death is heat. This can be especially true of hard drives inside external casings with little or no heat controls.

The new Antec MX-1 external SATA drive has a patented, very quiet cooling fan (under 22dBA) so the drive can run continuosly, ready for the next scheduled backup. On the rear is a power on/off switch, USB, and E-SATA port.

Our price of $349 (inc gst) includes  SATA 640GB Hard disk capacity, delivery, and installation of e-sata port on your desktop PC so you can transfer data at blazing speeds.

The MX-1 works great with Vista business editions to create image backups so you can restore your computer in minutes in the event of system failure.