DVD backups
This tutorial shows how to backup your data from a local computer to DVD or Blu-ray disc by using a backup software such as Backup2 DVD. Once installed, Backup2 DVD lets you define a backup job and either run the backup to DVD manually or set it on automatic execution (to run automaticallly the DVD should be loaded in the tray). The first step in backing your data to DVD is to download and install Backup2 CD.
Once Backup2 DVD is installed you can define your backup job using the backup wizard (simply click on the main Backup button and follow the steps). You choose what to backup, choose the DVD media from the destinations list, select the backup type and set it to run automatically (scheduled) or manually.
Backup to DVD using Backup2 DVD (hdd to dvd)
Backing up to DVD has become increasingly common due to mature technology and cheap DVD burners, this is why the backup to DVD method is so popular (and with the release of Blu-ray discs, which basically have the same physical dimensions as standard DVDs and CDs, backing up to DVD will become one of the most used backup methods).If you intend to do a backup to DVD, consider our recommendations:
- Don't use the same DVD for consecutive backups. Best choice is to use different DVDs for each backup version (change the DVD after each run of the backup). Use a set of DVDs that you can rotate periodically (e.g.: take 7 DVDs, one for each week day; start with the first DVD and reuse it as a backup media every 7 days). We recommend you to do so because if the burn process fails you will still have the previous backup versions on a different DVD.
- Rewritable DVDs can be re-written only for a limited number of times. When using a rewritable DVD, if errors occur first consider whether the DVD is overburned (worn out) or not.
- Test the backed up data after burning. Backup2 DVD has a special option to automate the test after backup.
How to backup to DVD or Blu-ray with Backup2 DVD
Backup2 DVD makes the backup to DVD process be easy to perform, through its new backup wizard:- In the first step of the wizard, add a name for your backup job and select where the backup will be saved (if you have multiple DVD drives, select the one you want from the combo-box).
- Choose the files and folders you want to backup using Add files/folders buttons (or drag and drop the files from Windows Explorer into this window). Click Next.
- Select the type of backup. If you want to use zip compression select Full/Differential or Incremental. If you want the files to be backed up to DVD without compression select the Mirror backup type (make sure the Zip the files checkbox is not selected, as that allows you to zip files individually).
- In the last step you would select if you want to schedule this backup to DVD to be executed automatically at specific time intervals. If you schedule this backup, just remember that you will need to have the DVD you want to backup to in the DVD drive, otherwise the backup will not run.
- Click the Save button and select either Save and run to execute the backup now, or only Save to have it in the backup job lists from where you will run it manually (or if scheduled it will run automatically)
Backup2 DVD's specific features
Backup2 DVD has features that are specifically suitable for backing up to DVD:- Internal DVD burning engine. By default Backup2 DVD uses one of its own built-in burning engines to backup to DVD (you do not need third party drivers or burning software installed). However, if you prefer using third party packet writing software, you can select it in the Backup Properties -> CD, DVD or Blu-ray-> Write Method -> Use third party packet writing software.
- Spanning the backup onto multiple DVDs. If the backup does not fit on one DVD, this DVD backup software will automatically span the backup over multiple DVD discs. Each disc is assigned a different label for future identification. We recommend marking the DVD with this label.
- Backup to DVD automatic testing. At the end of the backup, Backup2 DVD will check the written data to be sure of its integrity. This way you can be sure that the backed up data is safe and you can always restore it.
- Erase DVD tool. If the DVD is erasable (DVD-RW), you can use Backup2 DVD's own Erase CD/DVD/Blu-ray tool to erase it. Simply put the DVD-RW disc in the DVD burner, and from Backup2 DVD's interface go to Tools and select Erase CD/DVD/Blu-ray. This will launch the erase tool and you can clean the data from the DVD-RW. Backup2 DVD can automatically erase the DVD-RW disc before writing to it - to do so in Backup Properties go to CD, DVD or Blu-ray and in the Destination section check the Erase before writing option. This will delete all the data from the DVD-RW before writing the backup to it.