partitionling a hard drive

STM

Senior Member
I just got a 2 TB external drive and want to use it to back up the three computers we have here at home. Would it be best to partition the hard drive into 3 partitions and use each as a separate back up for each of the computers. I know cameras but admittedly don't really know crap about computers.
 

Kodiak

Senior Member
Hey STM,

I would be glad to help you but only if you answer positively to this question:

"Are you running on MAC?"

I know cameras
I know MACs
but admittedly don't really know crap about PCs.

 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
You should keep the backups separate to prevent any overwriting of files. But thats only if you are going to use an automated backup system. I have a 1TB drive that I use for 3 computers but I manually copy the files over that I want as I dont need any of the OS files. If I need any OS files then I can re-install that. So I would assume you are referring to backing up Docs/Pics and such, if so then you can manually copy/paste.

A little more details of how you plan to achieve the backup would help Scott.

I have all Mac's and use Time Machine to make the initial backups if needed, but Time Machine can handle this. So you really need to know if its possible with whatever software you are using.
 

STM

Senior Member
You should keep the backups separate to prevent any overwriting of files. But thats only if you are going to use an automated backup system. I have a 1TB drive that I use for 3 computers but I manually copy the files over that I want as I dont need any of the OS files. If I need any OS files then I can re-install that. So I would assume you are referring to backing up Docs/Pics and such, if so then you can manually copy/paste.

A little more details of how you plan to achieve the backup would help Scott.

Nope, I want a complete mirror of the parent HD, including the OS. If it was just photos and similar files, I would just cut and past. I want this to be a complete backup in the case the parent HD rolls over and gives up the ghost
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
Mirror, then I would look at the software to see if it can handle multiple pc's, it should be able to as I believe most do now. If you dont want to go that deep then just partition and send each back to a different partition, when you partition they will each have their own letter designation so it should be easy to keep separated.
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
Obviously before you partition, check to see how much space each pc will require. Had to say that, not being a smart a##. Also is this a LAN drive or will you be moving the drive between the devices.

Being is it a NAS as in Network attached storage, not the Nikon Acquisition Syndrome we know here.
 

§am

Senior Member
I know PCs like the back of my hand blindfolded, and hopping on one leg whilst balancing china plates on the edge of my nose (or something similar).

As to your issue....
Have a look at a piece of s/w called Acronis True Image.
For what you are trying to do, this will suffice your needs perfectly.

It will snapshot your current OS HDD into a single file, and more importantly it will do whilst you're logged in to it (other backup software sometimes asks for you to be going from a DOS type prompt).
No need to partition your HDD, though if you wanted to keep multiple backup versions (dates), then you may want to divide your external storage either as drives, or more simple by creating folders.

If you need any more help let me know
 
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