Backup Options - Raid 1 Q's

J

Justintoxicated

[H]F Junkie
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Apr 10, 2002
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Hi I currently have a 400 GB HD in my computer as the storage drive and a rappy 150 for installing apps etc.

I'm thinking about picking up a second 400GB and creating a Raid-1 Array to keep my data backed up.

No I know most do not recommend raid-1 to "back up" data. However I don't hae a real backup option (Like storing data offsite). Also If I just added a second HD without Raid-1 then it would be up to me to sync the drives up all the time and I do get lazy.

So I think this might be the best way to go for me.

Q's

Can I create a Mirrored partition without erasing my existing 400 GB drive? I know for Stripping Raid-0 you have to wipe both drives, but I'm not sure on Mirroring? I would be using the onboard raid on my DFI Expert,

Thanks,
 
Install a second HD, then use Windows builtin backup tool to perform scheduled backups. That way, if a file is deleted on the main drive, you will still have a backup.
 
It's not a backup. It protects you against a single drive failure. A drive in an external USB enclosure that you only plug in when you back things up would protect you from an electric surge. The putting it offsite protects you against a fire, hurricane, flood, etc. I'd go with the USB drive that you detach occasionally. If this won't work, RAID-1 by itself will be a good option for you. One drive failure wont make you lose all of the data on your storage drive.
 
I'm tempted to go for the one TB drive for $264, however I'm not going to be keeping this offsite lol I'm not rich and only rent a room, so I don't own multiple houses.

The Drivers are $100 right now, and I do have onboard raid so no need to use windows to create the array. The drive I have is this one.

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD4000KD 400GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM

Although it is not an RE drive will it still work ok?

I can add the second drive then use the raid card to create a Raid-1 array without wiping the data of my 400GB drive right?
 
Justintoxicated said:
I'm tempted to go for the one TB drive for $264, however I'm not going to be keeping this offsite lol I'm not rich and only rent a room, so I don't own multiple houses.
Click to expand...

1. Where did you find the TB drive for $264?
2. Across the room, unplugged will protect from a lot more environmental influences than RAID-1
 
I went for the $86 500 GB SATA 16MB Western Digital Cavaler External Drive instead. I hope I made the right decision. It could also be used to rebuild / fix other peoples computers too so that made my final decision.

I will look into the windows backup assistant, maybe I can tell the drive to turn on on a timer (once a week) for backups.
 
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