Best way to backup LaCie USB drive

I have Time Machine for my main computer, but I want to backup my LaCie USB external drive to DVD. What's the best way to do this? Is there a backup command that can accomplish this? Will 'tar' be able to handle this? Are there other Mac programs that handle this?

Hi auratio;
Well since a DVD will only hold 4.7 GB and the smallest LaCie drive is over 300 GB it is going to take a huge number of DVDs to back it up. Assuming the drive is not full, it could still easily take over 10 DVDs to back up the drive. Personally I see this solution of backup to be more of problem then a valid solution. My suggestion is to get another hard drive specifically for backup.
Allan

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Is Time Machine the best way to backup two external drives?

I only have the most basic understanding of Time Machine. I hook up an external drive to my MacBook Pro, click "backup now" on Time Machine, wait a while, and forget about it because I've never had to use it to retrieve a file - thank heaven.
Now I also have two external 2TB portable drives that are close to full and which need to be backed up. I just bought a 4TB drive that I haven't taken out of the box yet. Is it a simple matter to create two Time Machine files on the 4TB drive ... one for each of the 2TB drives?
And is Time Machine the best way to do this? Or is there some other system that makes more sense for backing up on this scale and with two drives?
-JOHN

No Time Machine is not the only way.
You can use one of the drive cloning softeare programs to clone your internal drive to an external or you can use OS X Disk Utility to do basically the same thing, IE Clone/Copy your internal drive to an external.
But in your case it look as if the upgrading of the iPhoto database has wiped out alll your images. What you are actually asking about is "Can you now get back those photos without first doing any backup of any type".
And the answer to that is No you can not.

What is the best way to backup my external drive?

Since it seems you cannot backup an external drive via Time Capsule (as far as I can tell) does anybody have a good solution for backing up an external drive? I keep all of my media (roughly 230GBs) on an external drive but I am not backing it up as of now for lack of a solution.
Thanks in advance

If the data is from your computer then you have a copy with your Time Machine. You can use Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper to clone the hard drive.

Best way to backup and remove an iMovie Project?

Hi all,
i am curious of the best way to backup (to external drive) and then remove an iMovie Project from the Mac laptop?

still curious about this...

What is the best way to backup a 1 Terabyte external USB drive?

In order to keep my MacBook Air running speedily along and to free up space, I use this strategy to store my iTunes Library on an external USB drive.
I'm trying to think of the best way to backup a 1 Terabyte external USB drive. I'm told the hardware has a product life of about five years and some say to burn DVD-R discs of it as a backup, but that would require many discs.
Has anyone explored the viability of using FTP in conjunction with AWS (Amazon Web Services) to backup the iTunes Library to the cloud? Their file storage is quite cheap.
Any thoughts on the most effective way to backup an external USB drive?
Thanks!
AB

For a simple clone use Disk Utility's Restore option:
Clone using Restore Option of Disk Utility
Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
Select the destination volume from the left side list.
Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
Check the box labeled Erase destination.
Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
Destination means the external backup drive. Source means the internal startup drive.
Others will suggest using Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper!.

Best way to backup 2nd Drive [Bootcamp/VMware/Win7] to Time Capsule

I have a mac pro with 2 drives - main drive 1 running os x 10.6.8 and drive 2 boot camp partitioned vmware fusion 3.1.3 running windows 7 - what is the best way to backup drive 2 to my time capsule?
Sorry if this has been answered many times, but I have looked quite a bit.
From what I can tell, it's best to shut vmware down and manually back-up to time capsule.
Any advice much appreciated. Thanks!

You don't need to do it that often.. once a quarter or twice a year is probably enough unless you are really using the drive alot.. remember you still have to have a full backup from inside windows anyway.. before the incremental can work..
You can indeed store the backup on the TC.. mixing data .. as far as TC is concerned it is just a file.. and TM backups can have consequences.. you might want to create a disk image to separate them.
http://pondini.org/TM/TCQ3.html
As long as you have lots of space it is probably not a big issue or use USB drive.
Whatever you do create a directory for the clone backup..
Create the clone.. and then from inside windows use a suitable backup.. I use macrium reflect .. free version does a full disk image.. but remember this is inside a vm so I am not sure you can restore whole disk from it..
Paid version does incremental but there are loads of backup software you can find.
That can also backup to the TC.. watch your total disk usage and maybe consider using a USB drive.

Best way to backup to external HD

i know this topic has been extensively discussed previously, so my apologies as i couldn't find anything to specifically answer my question.
I’m wondering what the best way to backup my files would be. I just bought an external 80 gig WD hard drive, and I’d love to know if there’s any better way than to just drag & drop my music, movie, picture, and document folders onto this every so often…if it’s 3rd party software you recommend, I’m a starving student so I’d prefer to not spend a lot of money.
Also, should I partition the external hd so that I can boot from tiger in case of an emergency? And how would this be done?
thanks in advance for any information that can be provided. This forum is such a great resource to the apple community, so for all you problem solving posters, YOU’RE AWESOME.

There's really only the drag and drop method if there are programs for transfer it's undoubtedly a rip off. Also I wouldn't partition your drive so it'll be less cluttered.
But if you're concerned about speed here's a few ideas: you can put all your files into a folder and that may improve speed [similar to burning to disk it apportions file size correctly].
Also get a really good short FW/USB cord if you can. I use a 3ft M-Audio and it's very good.
Good Luck

What's the best way to clone my boot drive?

I just bought a new 500GB drive for my G4. What's the best way to clone my boot drive?
Is there a way to put the new drive on the buss as a second drive and then copy everything from my boot drive to the new drive? How do I make the new drive bootable?
Or
Do I have to install OSX on the new drive, put the old boot drive on the buss as a second drive and migrate everything to the new drive with the Utilities Migration Assitant program?
Are there programs available to make this easier? Where & how much?
Thanks for any help I can get.

bamim2:
Dr. Smoke's FAQ Backup and Recovery has excellent advice on developing a backup strategy.
You already have a larger extrnal HDD (Hopefully it is firewire?) The next step is to format and partition the HDD. (see step-by-step below). And thirdly you will need a good cloning utility. Carbon Copy Cloner has already been suggested, and the latest version is excellent. I, personally, prefer SuperDuper for its ease of use and efficiency. Both are great tools and relatively simple to use.
I mentioned the hope that you have a firewire. One of the wonderful benefits of using an external firewire HDD for backing up is that you can make a bootable clone. This gives you an emergency boot drive in case of a problem. It also gives you an external device for running diagnostics and repairs from the extnernal to the computer and vice-versa.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward securing your computer and your data!
Formatting, Partitioning Zeroing a Hard Disk Drive
Warning! This procedure will destroy all data on your Hard Disk Drive. Be sure you have an up-to-date, tested backup of at least your Users folder and any third party applications you do not want to re-install before attempting this procedure.
Boot from the install CD holding down the "C" key.
Select language
Go to the Utilities menu (Tiger) Installer menu (Panther & earlier) and launch Disk Utility.
Option for formatting an External HDD
Connect external HDD to computer
Turn on external HDD
Start up computer and log in
Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility and launch DU.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in left side bar.
Select Partition tab in main panel. (You are about to create a single partition volume.)
Select number of partition in pull-down menu above Volume diagram.
(Note 1: One partition is normally preferable for an internal HDD. External HDDs usually have more than one. See Dr. Smoke’s FAQ Backup and Recovery for tips on partitioning external HDD
Note 2: For more partitions than one, after you have selected the number of partitions you can adjust the size of the partition by selecting the top partition and typing in the size; then move down if more adjustments need to be made..)
Type in name in Name field (usually Macintosh HD)
Select Volume Format as Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Click Partition button at bottom of panel.
Select Erase tab
Select the sub-volume (indented) under Manufacturer ID (usually Macintosh HD).
Check to be sure your Volume Name and Volume Format are correct.
Optional: Select on Security Options button (Tiger) Options button (Panther & earlier).
Select Zero all data. (This process will map out bad blocks on your HDD. However, it could take several hours. If you want a quicker method, don't go to Security Options and just click the Erase button.)
Click OK.
Click Erase button
Quit Disk Utility.
Good luck.
cornelius

What is the best way to backup my computer before upgrading from OSX 10.5.8 to 10.6?

What is the best way to backup my computer before upgrading from OSX 10.5.8 to 10.6? I just purchased a WD portable external hard drive.

Use Carbon Copy Cloner http://www.bombich.com/index.html or SuperDuper. http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html Both make a bootable copy of everything on your hard drive.

Wich is best way to backup iPhoto library?

Hi everyone...
i want to know wich is the best way to backup all iPhoto library...
should I just copy everything that is in "iPhoto Library" folder to my extern hard drive? will i have any kind of problem if i want to restore my data?
thanks

sauble
A friend suggested I backup all the photos I already have in iPhoto before I start playing around any more
Good advice
Do I use a disc instead and burn them?
If you don't have a HD, this is the next option.
If I do that, are the photos still accessible if I want to use them again?
Yes. Depending on how you burn them: If you select all of them and go File -> Export and the burn them from the Finder, your pics will be backed up, but you will have to reimport them to iPhoto on restore.
If you use the Share->Burn feature within iPhoto it will preserve te he iPhoto library structure.
Regards
TD

Best way to upgrade to new drive?

What is the best way to upgrade the hard drive on a Macbook? I mean to ask, what is the best way to transfer the complete system onto a new hard drive?
Thanks!
Captain!

# Buy the desired new 2.5" drive. If buying a 500GB unit, the Samsung SpinPoint fits inside, the Hitachi doesn't, the Fujitsu is too slow.
# Buy an external Firewire case for the drive. Install the new drive in it (this is temporary).
# Power up and plug in the new drive to the Mac. Make sure the system sees the new drive.
# Using Disk Utility, reformat the drive to a single partition, using a GUID partition scheme and in HFS+ format. Most new drives come in FAT32 or NTFS format. Search in the forums how to get rid of the NTFS format.
# Using SuperDuper, Carbon Copy Cloner or even plain old Disk Utility, clone your startup volume (internal drive) onto the external.
# Reboot and start up from the external (press Option before startup sound). Verify that everything works.
# Shut everything down, take new drive out of case, exchange with internal drive. Do it yourself or pay qualified technician to do so. Old style MacBooks are relatively easy, MacBook Pro's are more complex, Oct'08 portables are a piece of cake.
# Start portable, verify everything works. If so, put old drive in external case and use as a backup device. Else put it back in so you'll have a working computer while you figure out what went wrong.
# Enjoy...
Note: Since the Nov'07 release of the Mac portables, they have the Apple Hardware Test available as a hidden partition in the HDD, meaning that you can test your Mac without requiring the original Install Disk #1. If you change the internal HDD, you will lose that functionality, since no one has figured out how to copy the thing over to the new drive. This means you will need your Install Disk #1 to test your hardware from that point on.

I just bought a new Mac and I want to transfer some data (not all) from my old Mac. Basically, I want to move my itunes library, iphoto library, and a few documents. I have not even turned on my new Mac yet. Is the best way by an external hard drive?

I just bought a new Mac and I want to transfer some data (not all) from my old Mac. Basically, I want to move my itunes library, iphoto library, and a few documents. I have not even turned on my new Mac yet. Is the best way by an external hard drive?

If both have Firewire ports then you can accomplish your goal by using Target Disk Mode. If this is not possible then you can do using an external drive or if you have a local network connect both to your network and use filesharing between the two computers.
File Sharing on Macs
Mac 101- File Sharing

I am moving from PC to Mac. My PC has two internal drives and I have a 3Tb external. What is best way to move the data from the internal drives to Mac and the best way to make the external drive read write without losing data

I am moving from PC to Mac. My PC has two internal drives and I have a 3Tb external. What is best way to move the data from the internal drives to Mac and the best way to make the external drive read write without losing data

Paragon even has non-destriuctive conversion utility if you do want to change drive.
Hard to imagine using 3TB that isn't NTFS. Mac uses GPT for default partition type as well as HFS+
www.paragon-software.com
Some general Apple Help www.apple.com/support/
Also,
Mac OS X Help
http://www.apple.com/support/macbasics/
Isolating Issues in Mac OS
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388
https://www.apple.com/support/osx/
https://www.apple.com/support/quickassist/
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/help/
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/tour/
Get Help with your Product
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304725
Apple Mac App Store
https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_app_store/using_mac_apple_store
How to Buy Mac OS X Mountain Lion/Lion
http://www.apple.com/osx/how-to-upgrade/
TimeMachine 101
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1427
http://www.apple.com/support/timemachine
Mac OS X Community
https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os

Best way to use an external drive

Hello all,
I have several photos.
I also have three computers that I regularly use: my Windows PC, my Macbook Pro, and a very new iMac.
Rather than place all my photos on each computer... I thought I could place them on a Western Digital Passport portable ext. drive. Then somehow use the drive from computer to computer to edit/play with my photos.
How do I best use iPhoto 08 to do that? I'm not sure... do the photos have to be on the computer in order to make albums, libraries, folders, etc? Or are those things more of thumbnails that POINT to certain files?
Please help a newbie understand the best way to use his external drive.
Thanks for any and all help!

Hello, and welcome, Theodore!
I must first say that I don't yet have iPhoto 8.
I do, however, have a lot of experience with external drives (I have two). I have a huge amount of music in iTunes, so I keep a copy of it on each external drive. Then, when I need to access my music , I turn on either external drive, up comes the External Drive symbol on my display, then I go over to my dock, and select iTunes. I must remember to first open up the External Drive BEFORE I open iTunes (or iPhoto). I then add or subtract music (or photos), edit, and work on my collection. When I'm finished, I just close the application, then select the Hard Drive symbol, and choose File/ Exit Hard Drive. Reach over and turn off my Hard Drive, and it's all good. I just always remember to open the Hard Drive FIRST, before opening the application.
The same would work for iPhoto. If you place iPhoto onto your external drive, you could probably use any of your computers to connect to it. I would suggest you think about backing up your external drive's contents with either another external drive (which was my choice), or other alternate storage methods.
I only have one PowerBook, not multiple computers, but, other than that, the situation's the same. You want to keep your iPhoto collection off your computers, and onto one external drive. I hope this information can be of some help to you.
All best wishes... Cea

Best way to backup Windows Formatted Ipod to convert to Mac OS X?

Hi,
My wife has a 3rd gen iPod nano which was formatted using a Windows machine which is no longer available. I now have a linux desktop and my macbook. We would like to convert her iPod for use with the my macbook, but the only way seems to be reformatting the ipod and losing all her music.
So my question is what is the best way to backup the iPod without being able to use iTunes (it won't recognize her iPod on my macbook since it is windows formatted and there is no iTunes version for Linux)? I can mount the Ipod as a disk on my Linux machine, would it work to just to copy the entire filesystem on the iPod to some temp directory on my desktop, reformat the iPod on my macbook, then remount the iPod and copy the files back to over to the iPod?

Copying from iPod to Computer threads...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5044027&#5044027
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=893334&tstart=0
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=797432&#797432
Also these useful internet articles...
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/copying-music-from-ipod-to-co mputer/
http://www.engadget.com/2004/11/02/how-to-get-music-off-your-ipod/
http://playlistmag.com/secrets/2006/12/twowaystreet20/index.php
http://playlistmag.com/help/2005/01/2waystreet/
The MacBook can read the Windows formatted iPod just fine, so you can use the above suggestions to get the stuff onto the Mac's library. After that you can either leave the Nano Windows formatted and use it as is, or restore it on the Mac so it is in Mac format.
Patrick

Best way to backup LaCie USB drive

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