Automated Backups over network

This may not be the correct forum for this. If not, I appologize.

I (unfortunately) have been given the task of finding the best way to back up files to a central server from 5 workstations.

My company is running a Win2000 Pro network. I know that the workstations could be backed up using the "Backup" program that comes with the OS, but my boss does not want the backups stored in one file. He insists on being able to copy "changed" files on the workstations to the server.

I have seen "Synchronization" programs on the internet, but the ones I have seen place the same directory structure and files on both the server and the workstations. This will not work for us due to hard drive limitations on the workstations.

Does anyone have any thoughts on a script or program that would allow us to "copy" updated files on the workstations to the server? Preferably shareware. And, preferably, something that could be scheduled to run after business hours without supervision. (It would not be a problem to have the same "folder" structure, so long as all files need not be present on both the server and the workstations.)

Maybe I am asking for too much, but any help with this would be much appreciated. At this point, I am just not sure which way is up.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

 

Hi Dave and welcome to Windowsbbs!

You can use XXCOPY to do that. It has that ability and much more. It will require some study time on your part or else you may shorten the process somewhat by asking the discussing group listed on the XXCOPY site for specific help. It links to the Yahoo XXCOPY Group site and there are several whizzes there including the developer of XXCOPY, Kan Yabumoto.

There is a free version and a Pro version. If you need support, the Pro version would be the way to go.

Good luck.

 

Dave - with the size network you describe I assume you don't want to hock the family jewels for backup software and in that case, XXCOPY is probably your best bet.

 

Well, I did some more research into the subject. XXCOPY does look like it may be the way to go.

However, does anyone see any problems with using XCOPY (the program that comes with Windows)? I am not at work at the moment to test it on a network, but it does seem to do all that we would need it to. I have been able to set up a bat file and schedule it to run on my home pc with no APPARENT problems.

I have read the XCOPY EXPOSED article explaining some of the dangers of this program. But the problems mentioned all seem to refer to Long File Names. We only need to back up our AutoCad drawing files for which we use strictly Short File Names. We do not intend to use this for creating backups of our entire drives.

With that in mind, can anyone see any other problems that may arise?

Thanks,
Dave

 

If XCOPY will do all you want, by all means use it. XXCOPY certainly has more options but if you don't need any of them, it makes no sense to mess with it.