How do you backup your data?

[Gangster]

Asking this question as I need to find an easy solution to doing this.

I have recently made a Raid 1 Config, but to my surprise for some reason it has failed. I have never done RAID on a PC before, and my first time within a few weeks it has failed... Luckily there was no data on it just yet.
(When I try to re-activate volume, it says the plex is missing? - I have no idea what to do. Could removing a SATA cable and putting it back (same position) have done this?)


I am not sure whether to get an independent unit for the backup, or continue to use my PC. I have a backup in place where once a month I will back things up, but I want something on a 'now' basis.

I know RAID 1 isn't a backup, more so for drive failure, but I at least wanted it to copy whatever I wanted to 'one drive' to then duplicate to another. However I am now dealing with it having failed, reading some guides it looks like I have to rebuild it and lose all of the data on there (there isn't anything on there luckily). That's not good is it!

Should I get a NAS unit to be able to do this? What do you think? I wanted to be able to use my PC (save £) but if it is going to mess up like it already has, then I have no choice but to get an independent unit do I?

Also be interested to hear how you guys back up your data.

 

[Gangster]

All I want to be able to do is use my PC where the data is copied onto two drives. I don't mind backing up once a month to a non-connected drive.

I guess my main question is, can I 100% rely on Windows to make a Raid 1 and actually hold all of my data on two drives - or is this failure like I have had a regular occurrence. I did turn on the pc with some sata cables disconnected but they all have stayed in the same port.

Or do I need to buy a separate NAS style unit? If so, any recommendation on reliable ones that aren't too expensive.

 

[Gangster]

I wouldn't bother with RAID at all, the complications it introduces isn't worth the risk to your data.

Any program that I could get that I can get to automate the copying?

E.g. I transfer Video1.avi to HDD 1 and then it does exactly that to HDD 2?

The drives are identical.

Wish this was simple...

 

[Gangster]

Is the host OS windows?

NAS is a good backup destination.

Yes, host is Windows.

Hmm, I thought there would be more replies on this thread... being OcUK an all.

I really thought RAID was a good idea to 'live' backup incase of a drive failure and then make use of my external drive for weekly/monthly backups.

Any recommendations on NAS? Don't want to due to £, but if RAID is going to fail randomly like that then it is a complete waste. Surprised no one has had this experience.