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Hi all, I recently purchased a Maxtor Basics personal storage 3200 160gb external hd.
What I had in mind was something I could use for backup purposes. I guess I was mistaken.

After doing some reading on Maxtor's website, it seems this device can only be used for storing files, documents, etc. I guess the words "PERSONAL STORAGE" on the box should have been my first clue.

Could somebody please explain to me the difference between external hard drives used for backup, and those used for storage?

Thanksalot, cb

Heya cb,

it shouldn't matter a spit of difference.

What sort of backup process are you looking at? An automatic one that compresses all the files into 1 for better storage? or just to copy files accross yourself manually and individually?

Hey there GaRHaR, Nice to see you again.
Embarassingly I am not sure.
I always read that it is advisable to do regular backups, i.e. files, registry, o.s. etc, that is pretty much what I'm after.

It's hard to believe I'm still so ignorant on this subject after all the reading I've done. But alas I am. I am still trying to learn the ins and outs of this infernal machine (and loving every minute of it).

thanks, cb

Hey countryboy
Sounds like GaRHaR answered your question, so we`ll mark this one as answered. If you need something else, come on back.

Hello uncleed, I am not sure he did.
GaRHar had asked what sort of backup process I was after, I responded to that, and he hadn't gotten back to me yet.

Thanks, cb

No problem cb, guess i wasnt reading close enough. Ill just unmark it.

Heh, thanks uncleed

Nice to see you again also

CB, you're best option for that sort of backup is built into windows.

Start -> Run -> ntbackup

This will backup your "system state" (registry files and preferences) and will also backup folders and files that you tell it to.

It's very simple to use and pretty good for free
Give it a try and see what you think

GaRHar, I am some what familiar with the built in backup utility in winxp.
I have used it. The backups it created were stored on my local hd. If I'm not mistaken, this won't do me any good in the event of a hard drive failure. Correct?
Can I send the backups created by this utility to my new external hd, and if so, why does it say on Maxtor's website that this sort of thing isn't supported for this particular hd?
Sorry for being so corn-fused, and thanks for your help, cb