Resolved Backing up data

I just got a 1TB Toshiba and want to copy everything from the failing hard drive to it ASAP. Only problem is the failing hard drive is, well...failing and it's also FAT32.

Is it still safe to try a conversion to NTFS or should I just move it all one gig at a time. I'm sorry, I don't know how this works.

Gotta go, be back in a few hours. Thanks.

 

Hooking up both drives directly to the motherboard will be a heck of a lot faster than trying to do through USB, (especially USB 2.0 or earlier).

 

Is this the same computer? http://www.windowsbbs.com/pc-hardware/108537-hdd-scan-external-hard-drive-issue.html

 

Hi Tidalwaves,

You don't need to worry about the failing drive being FAT32 and the new NTFS. Data can be copied/transferred between different filesystems. If the FAT32 drive is failing, it could fail completely during the NTFS conversion process...just copy your data to new drive while you can.

 

Alrighty...got everything (I think) backed up, manually which is why it took a day to get back to you. I wanted to make sure folder sizes, files and folders matched each folder I copied. Was going to do a disk image backup for the computer since it didn't come with a repair disk but all of my writable DVDs won't work. Guess I'll have to run out and get some more as I would think, and correct me if I'm wrong, that back up would be the most important to have.

I wanted to ask another question, is it okay to leave the Toshiba plugged in all the time or is it for like a need only basis, use it for a few hours and then eject...because it's not like the failing Western Digital which has to be plugged in to the computer AND an electrical socket, this baby only needs to pluggrd into the PC.

And in the event your answer is to use it minimally, how should I treat it? Where should or shouldn't I store it...does it need a fluffy pillow box with a night light and a constant sound of lullabys playing through it's slumber? Temp storage can't be controlled sometimes as I live in a desert. And we have a swamp cooler which might reduce temperatures 10-15 degrees, max. So some days it may suffer the same in-door 90 degree temperature the rest of us do.

Basically, I really like this thing and want the most from it. But one thing I noticed leaving it plugged in is that compared to my other hard drive, it's QUICK. This thing's a marine, it's bombing me with info a nanosecond after I've given the command...and this is impressive. And desirable.

Thanks for all the replies and advice and I'll check back later to see how frequently I should use this thing.

Yes. But the files copied from that drive, the other external, haven't given me any problems. Obviously I haven't been able to check every file individually yet, but from what I've seen...no probs. It's also plugged into a different USB port, obviously.

Are you suggesting there might be something to worry about? Because things are still reversible right now but I want to get some old files off the main computer to clear up some space.

 

You can leave it plugged in but, it'll last longer if you don't. Disconnecting it would also protect it from electrical maladies and malicious software. As far as high temps go, they are the number one enemy of electronic circuits. Heat can literally destroy (melt) delicate electronics.

 

Well I guess it'll get a summer vacation in the coolest area of my home. I had 2 computers and the original external for over a decade so maybe I'm exaggerating the heat.

I had it unplugged all night and most of the morning, when I plugged it in it was sluggish. Maybe there's some delicate balance I need to maintain or whatever.

Now, what about the repair CD backup? Do I need to make that a priority or is that not as necessary as it sounds?

 

When your computer fails to boot from the hard drive, you'll probably be looking for something to boot it from, (CD/DVD/USB flash), with the tools necessary to run some diagnostics and/or start your backup software's restore procedure.

 

Any suggestions? Should I use the drive or get another dvd?

 

A DVD or USB flash drive.