Back up script location

Nexusfactor · 21 Jan 2018

I have a PC that I regularly backup with a script every week.

My script is stored on my backup medium(a portable HD) and when I want to run a backup, I plug in the drive, and start my script. Having my script on my backup medium saves me from writing additional lines of code to check if the destination is available, if my script is running, then obviously the drive is available and can be seen by the OS. All I need to do is run a check to make sure the source directories exist.

I just wanted to get an idea of what the experts do, is storing my script on the backup medium a good idea? Any drawbacks?

Bree · 21 Jan 2018

Welcome to TenForums @Nexusfactor

All credit for having taken the trouble to do regular backups. Not many bother to do that (to their cost).

Many here recommend Macrium Reflect (free) for backing up not just your files, but also a system image. Do you make a system image as well? If not, it is a sensible additional precaution.

Like you, I also like to run a script to back up my key user files. Mine is run from the source folder and checks for the destination folder (by default, on a network drive) but your approach is equally valid. You should check for one or the other, it doesn't really matter which you choose. As long as you keep a copy of the script in your user folder (in case the backup drive fails) I can see no disadvantage.

You can never have enough backups, so in addition to system images and my backup script, I also have File History turned on (again, pointing to a network folder). If your router has a USB socket, a 'cheap and cheerful' network drive can be made by plugging a USB external HDD into the router.