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Introduction
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Most people know they should backup their important files, and most plan to, but it seems that it is one of those things that often gets put off, until sometimes it's too late. One reason it gets put off is because of the time and difficulty involved in backup procedure. A good backup program should make this task as simple and painless as possible. If you are reading this article it is likely you already know the importance of backing up your files and have come looking for some software that will help you do just that without having to spend a lot of time learning how to use it. To appeal to the average user, a backup program should have a wizard or step by step guide that takes them through the process of backing up their files. Then they should be able to set it and forget it, and have confidence that it will continue to work behind the scenes to protect their data. As I reviewed more than a dozen backup solutions I looked for ease of use, a scheduler, support for backing up to local and online storage, verification of backup archives, and an easy to use restore function. |
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| You should also check out the categories Best Free Folder Synchronization Program, and Best Free Drive Imaging Program which are simular are other types of backup programs. |
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2009 
Win XP - Vista 
Commercial Giveaway 
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Personal-Backup: http://personal-backup.rathlev-home.de/index-e.html.
Nice find! I will definitely consider this one in my next review. Anyone who tests this please come back and tell us about your experiences.
Comodo BackUp Version 2.0 is now out - I would very much like to see your comments as it seems pretty thorough to me.
IG
I like a program called LazyMirror.
It uses extra space on the backup drive to store old versions of files. Stores a copy of deleted files.
The GFI-link points on neobytesolutions.com/
Erik
Thanks for pointing this out - I've repaired the link now
I'm very partial to Karen's Replicator. http://www.karenware.com/
I've always liked it too. Best part is the program assumes you know what you want to do and doesn't ask you a lot of silly questions. Karen Kenworthy is a very talented lady
Is Filehamster still freeware? On their site is only 30 days free trial ver.
I find it pretty confusing, but according to this forum post, dated 8/26/2009, by a developer there is still a freeware version. The trial gives plus functionality for 30 days then reverts to the freeware version.
http://support.mogware.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=29d055c66992377e9e50af6cc...
But I see nothing on their site about a freeware version or what limitations it would have.
I loved File Hamster - thus if nothing changes on their website, I would vote for removal from Gizmo's freeware website.
What about Windows Backup (Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup)? It is free, as long as you have purchased your Windows XP - don't know if it is present in Vista -, it is installed with the system, so you don't need additional space for a new backup solution and it does the job. Anyone else would like to see a review of Windows Backup added?
Cheers,
Arnaldo
What about Seagate Replica hard drive which constantly backs up your complete PC or multiple PCs as mentioned in Popular Science June 2009. It seems to be the ultimately simplified backup solution. It is not exactly on the topic under discussion, namely free software but the prospect of ease of use is enticing.
Paragon System backup 2010 rc.
I use Fabs AutoBackup. Small, free, easy to use, and portable. Also runs in a PE environment.
http://www.fpnet.fr/index2.php?lang=en§ion=software
Titan 1.5 suits my needs perfectly. Mind you, I don't need more than basic features. But I really like the fact that when you select the folders you want to back up, it starts calculating the space needed for the entire backup. This helps in one major way for me: since the space needed for my backup is much more than half of my external backup drive (more around 3/4), I cannot do more than one version of the backup - meaning I use the option to add the new files to the backup, AND delete the files that aren't there anymore. So before executing the backup task, which I do manually, I verify the needed space. If the size would be much different in comparison (because of a virus for example), it would mean there is a problem and I would not execute the backup.
I'm using Titan under Windows 7 64bit without any problems.
I used Titan Backup 1.5 not too long ago and unfortunately it fell short for me! It backed up my Mozilla directory (C:\Users\default user\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla) to a memory stick so that all of my plugins, addons and bookmarks would be backed up in the event of a reinstallation or similar. I used Titans restore feature after a fresh vista installation and the restore function failed, not only did it not restore the mozilla directory that was backed up, it also deletd the backup after failing!
Luckily I had an image of the drive backed up via macrium reflect with which I was able to mount as a virtual drive in windows explorer and then copy the folder over to my c partition where everything went as smooth as I expected the titan restore to be.
I think I will stick to manually going to tht directory and backing up and restoring manually from now on!
The new version of Titan has a slightly worrying clause in its EULA relating to allowing it to phone home for unspecified reasons at various times. I'm less than convinced that I want to let this happen and therefore -- regretfully -- suggest either sticking with the last version of Titan or switching to one of the alternatives.
Fbackup isn't quite as feature rich as Titan/GFI but has a capable scheduler (which was my main reason for using Titan originally) and I've switched to it -- I'll come back and tell you if it lets me down!
If you don't care about schedulers or are happier rolling your own, Toucan's under pretty much constant development and, although it's not quite as intuitive as the others, can be run from the commandline and therefore the Windows Scheduler can be used to push it around while you're in bed. (It can also handle file and folder synchronisation, which is my main use for it.)
IMPORTANT NEWS FOR TITAN BACKUP USERS:
According to an email received earlier today from GFI Software, Titan Backup will no longer be developed, and will be replaced by GFI Backup.
Here is the complete contents of that message.
-------------------------------------------
Dear Titan Backup user,
We would like to inform you of some important changes to Titan Backup.
GFI Software has been working with Titan for some time and has made significant investments in the technology, which it has now re-launched under GFI. GFI will continue making major investments in this technology.
We would like to inform you that GFI Backup 2009 – Home Edition has now been launched. This version is being offered as full-featured FREEWARE for PC home users.
GFI Backup has retained all the functionality you are accustomed to in Titan Backup and also includes additional feature and improvements*. We invite you to try out GFI Backup 2009 – Home Edition, which you can download from: http://www.gfi.com/backup-hm.
Please note that you cannot back up with the Titan Backup version and restore with the GFI version. Also, you cannot import your settings from Titan Backup to GFI Backup, as there have been major changes to the configuration file formats.
You therefore need to install GFI Backup and reconfigure, as follows: Download and use GFI Backup 2009 – Home Edition, and run a new back up of your existing files, re-creating your backup and synchronization tasks as needed. We highly recommend this option.
Alternatively, if you choose to back up with your Titan Backup product or you need to restore your files so they can then be backed up with GFI Backup you can:
manually restore files backed up with the Titan Backup product; or
use the latest build of the Titan Backup product (v2.5.0.117); to get this version, please email eblaga@gfi.com – it is not available on the GFI website.
Both Titan Backup and GFI Backup can be installed on the same machine.
There will be no further development of the Titan Backup product. GFI Backup replaces this product and we will only enhance and maintain the GFI Backup product.
For support issues related to GFI Backup – Home Edition, please visit our support forums.
You can find more information about GFI Backup 2009 and other GFI products on our website: http://www.gfi.com/.
Thank you,
The GFI Software team
Titan Backup is now in version 2.5 and has been renamed to GFI and is now really freeware for everyone: http://www.gfi.com/backup-hm/
GFIbackup Home Edition is NOT freeware for everyone. It appears to only work on the HOME EDITIONS of windows. ie NOT Vista Ultimate or XP Pro. I suggest you check the forums before installing.
GFI Home Edition is only meant for personal use not commercial use, but it will work on XP Pro and Vista Ultimate. The EULA makes this very confusing but the GFI team has said they will revise it to make it clearer. As it stands now, you can install it on all versions of Windows without worries as long as you are using it at home. A commercial version is being worked on presently for use in the business environment.
Ritho
Editor-Gizmo's Freeware Team
They claim it works on: "Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional SP2, SP3 (x86 and the x64 versions) and all editions of Windows Vista except for Vista Starter (x86 and the x64 versions)." (http://www.gfi.com/backup-hm/backup-hm-features.htm)
But it's always a good idea to check the support forums first.
Came across this recently. http://www.gfi.com/backup-hm/free-backup-software/
Appears to be a rebadged Titan.
Hi,
Has anyone tried to uninstall Titan Backup? I get the error “Could not open INSTALL.LOG file” and I cannot uninstall it.
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Here is Titan support reply
Thank you for contacting us.
This is a Wise installer issue that appears only on some computers. If you do an Internet search you will find that you are not the only one that came across this problem when installing various software built with Wise installer.
Some quick fixes for this problem would be:
1. Go to the Titan Backup installation folder (usually C:\Program files\Titan Backup) and check if the files "install.log" and "unwise.exe" are there. If they are, drag the file "install.log" over "unwise.exe" with the mouse and release the mouse button. Please let us know if one of these files is missing.
2.
a) select Start->Run
b) click the Browse button
c) find "unwise.exe" in the Titan Backup installation folder (usually C:\Program files\Titan Backup\unwise.exe), click OK in the "Browse" window
d) after that you should see in the Run window the following: "C:\Program files\Titan Backup\unwise.exe"
e) edit this line, so it looks like: "C:\Program files\Titan Backup\unwise.exe" install.log (after "the path" put a space and type install.log)
f) click OK in Run window
3. Copy the "install.log" file from the Titan Backup installation folder to your desktop. Then delete the "install.log" file from the original location. Now run the "unwise.exe" and this should prompt you for the "install.log" file location. So, just point it to your desktop, then highlight and open.
If you still have problems, then you can simply manually delete the files.
The second fix solved the problem. Congratulations to Titan for their quick and effective support, even for a free software and when a user wants to uninstall it.
Synkron (http://synkron.sourceforge.net/) is yet another free alternative - worth a look at and try.
A similar one, maybe not as good, is ozSync:
http://nebula1979.fortunecity.it/
All the best from bRaZiL. ;)
Cobian is not as reliable as many people seem to think with issues in some configurations leading to empty folders.
File Hamster doesn't respond to documents scanned into Paperport.
SyncBackSE has been the most reliable, easiest to configure for me.
Hello - thanks for all the info -- a bit daunting all the mentions of various backup systems that diff peeps prefer so not sure what I need.
I have a laptop - 60 gig hd -- XP media ed svc pack 2 (if that matters). I need to back up the entire hd -- so want something that is super easy that I can just say -- "back up the C drive" and "desktop" and the backup program will back up everything including active/running apps/open files onto DVD's and prompt me when to insert the next DVD and so on so basically, idiot proof, thorough, reliable and, well, in a perfect world, fail safe :)
Additionally, I need to create a boot disc - (and imaging disc?), another topic, I realize, but apparently related from what I've been reading. I am unclear about first creating things like a restore point.
There is a "restore" drive D on my computer -- so when I do a total back up of my HD, would I back this up separately?
Thanks your your advice and the great site.
Best Free Registry Backup Tool.
In addition to the Tools mentioned on this page, Registry Back is vital and a life saver when Viruses/Spyware infiltrates your Registry. Additionally, when installing software that you want to test, that you know is not Spyware, backing up your Registry is very important. Choosing to do System Restore is time consuming for testing out software, that is why I recommend ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT), Registry Backup and Restore for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista.
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/
Also check out NTREGOPT, (NT Registry Optimizer, Registry Optimization for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista. This software defrags your Registry.
I recommend these programs to anyone. They are simple to use, and the backup of Windows Files are the same format as the existing system files.
Definately a "MUST HAVE" system utility.
Hi all.
When it comes to backup the top choice here at gizmo is Titan and FBackup which are completely free. On the other hand there's also a free backup solution "Comodo Backup" which is not mentioned on this site at all. I recently look at the "Best Firewall" section and Comodo Firewall was the top choice...so why not use the Comodo Backup?
Can any body tell me which one of them is better and does the job well, since they are both free?
P.S. Any chance of a review to determine which one of them is better.
Thanks.
Comodo Backup was only a beta (not full release) and now it is discontinued because the new version called something like "time machine" will be coming out soon and I heard they will try to incorporate it into CIS. I can't wait!
In relation to #30. Is this really just an older version as it does not allow incremental or differential backups.
try comodo backup
acronis the best
I bought this program and it caused me to have to redo my computer 3 times.
After install and restart I got a black screen saying Acronis Loading - then nothing.
Even tech support could not help. Luckily they refunded my money.
I've been using Paragon Drive Backup 6.0 then 7.0 - 8.0 - 8.5 and now upgraded to version 9.0. I am pretty satisfied the way it works and saves the hair on my head in case of system crash. I know that they have free solution too: http://www.paragon-software.com/downloads/free_downloads.html
If anyone needs free and reliable backup solution then this would be very useful. Another software I like is R-Drive Image but it has no free versions as far as I know.
Recently, just for the reason of curiosity I did try Acronis True Image, it seemed to be powerful product with Vista like interface but!!! But its installation screwed up my well functioning system. Moreover it would not like uninstall. I wrote to support - got no feedback. Not good. Had to restore from Drive Backup made image. So I'll stick with the software that proved its reliability one more time.
Paragon Drive Backup is really a disk imaging program rather than a backup type program, so it should be reviewed in that category. What I have seen of their free express version it seems to be very limited.
-Ritho
(Editor)
I'm a great fan of this site and use it weekly. However, it must be borne in mind that sometimes the best program/appliaction to use, is simply the one you feel most comfortable with.
I spent a long time evaluating many backup programs and in my opinion there is little to choose between them all.
I still use Karen's Replicator, as I have done for some years now. I love the ability to put a shortcut to each backup job on my desktop. However it is very 80's in it's design and soemone who hasn't used it before might well thinks it is aged in it's abilities too, which it's not.
I try other programs with varying degrees of success. Syncback and others had failings for me, whilst Karen's Replicator will be either a syncing tool or a backup, as you prefer.
So whilst the reviews are excellent and worthwhile, remember it's only your own preference sometimes that makes the difference.
No doubt you are right, and everyone's needs are different. For example I do a lot of photography and have created a work flow to archive my photos just the way I want them. The only trouble is I have not found a single program that backs them up just the way I want, so I use a couple of different backup solutions to archive my pics.
My challenge here is to recommend backup solutions with functions that will meet the needs of the widest user group possible. Some who read these software reviews are capable of using just about any program no matter how difficult or complex it may be, but for the greatest portion of our readers they would like something that does most of the work for them. They just want to click a button and be done. Obliviously backups can probably never be made that simple unless you are backing up everything. But the easier it is for the average user to use and understand the more chance it will be listed here.
-Ritho
(editor)
I quite agree with you comments on this topic, in addition to that I'd like you to take a look at Comodo Backup. Comodo's firewall is highly recommend, so why not use their backup solution?
I reviewed each back up program on their respective websites, but I couldn't find information on a couple of features I wanted. First, do any of the programs allow for one single file or folder to be copied regardless of any changes in its properties (size, date of modification). This would be helpful if a file has been encrypted as a file vault. Secondly, do any of these programs back up in incremental fashion (replacing only modified files, deleting old files, adding new files), but ask if the user before deleting old files? I use EZbackitup now and it doesn't ask.
Hi
Recently had a look at Datasafe: http://sofgem.com/products/datasafe.html - which seems exceptionally capable, has a very clean interface and is well thought out.
Any chance of a review?
Thanks,
Tim / UKtech.
Thanks for alerting me to this. I will check it out.
-Ritho
(Editor)
SyncBack is excellent. Should be mentioned here.
SyncBack is not a Backup utility, it's a syncronisation utility. SyncBack is mentioned in the category "Best Free Folder Synchronization Utility"
It's a backup program and a synchronization program. It belongs in both categories.
Wrong: In SyncBack (or its paying version SyncBackSE), you can do backups as well.
I've used SyncBack, the free version, for years as my backup program. Highly recommend it!
I totally agree with those who think SyncBack is great! It is very flexible and easy to use. I use it both as a backup tool onto a server at work and also as a synch tool onto a USB stick that I can then recover onto my home PC. The problem with many synch progs is that they do that, they synchronize. I rarely would want to do that. If I delete a file at work I don't want the tool to put it back again because it happens to be on my data stick. SyncBack can also be used in the same way for maintaining web sites through its' ftp function. Finally, I have never, ever had this prog fail! Excellent bit of kit.
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