Back Up Help NERO

[jacqui01]

After losing lots of my files back in August this year due to a Hard Drive failure, I am very much aware of backing up files on a regular basis, I have an external Hard Drive and put most of my files on it rather than keep them on my PC
After I got a New Hard drive fitted, I left a lot of my Music & Document files on the external Hard Drive, rather than put them back on the PC, thinking it was safer
Well imagine my horror, when last week I started getting error messages on my External Hard drive, saying a failure my be imminent, so I copied all my files from my External Hard drive, back to my PC again in a panic, lucky enough both drives are still OK, but a least I can now get the External one checked out, and know I have my files still on my Computer, but now I want to put all my Midi files on a single back up using Nero version 6, I have a DVD rewriter, but I'm not sure which type of back up I should use, I tried it out on Make Audio CD but it would not copy the midi Kar files to it, I also see there is data copy, would that be better for midi, the folder size is 1.82 GB so it needs to be on DVD I guess, also is there a way I can make it so I can add more files to the DVD rather that re do the whole thing from scratch each time I add new files.
Sorry if you've fallen asleep reading this long post, but if anyone can give me some advise it would be most appreciated.
Jacqui

[Emerald Midi]

Hi Jacquie,

Sorry to hear about this recent scare but fortunately you didn't lose anything on this occasion.

I guess we're all in the same boat and have to exercise all options available to us when backing up important files. The simplest way I find is to make full use of my external storage hard-drive but after hearing your frightening story I may have to look at other options too.

Sorry I can't be helpful with regards your question on Nero, but I just wanted to let you know you are not alone on this.

Hopefully someone will put us both on the right track

[levi2]

OK here goes
load up nero nero express mode is easiest
look at top where it says select drive your drive will be show twice one with cd on end other dvd so if you gonna burn to dvd select ie for example d:pioneer (dvd)
then select data then data disc. Go to the dir where your files are select them click add then next. then click burn theres an option to veriify which i dont use also multi session ie burn some now and add more later with same dvd but i dont use that either ive found out using multisession sometimes causes probs for the disc to load up . So for the price of a blank dvd just burn and disc will be closed auto when finished
hope it all makes sense

[thingyy]

Hide them in a folder with password access on your own website. Handy if away from home and you need to grab in a hurry.
Also the keyring usb storage are about 2 gigs and are $35 dollars here so they will be cheaper in the UK.

[thingyy]

www.usbflashdrive.org/

[steveb]

Hi Jacqui

I don't have a problem in that regard, all I do is copy all my midi files and charts to a C.D. I either use Windows or Nero, it's so easy and I take my CD where ever I go in case I have a problem with a file on my laptop.

If you find Nero to difficult to operate try the copy program in Windows XP.

Good luck

Steve

[moonie]

All good tips for you there Jacqui, my 1 tip would be...if it's an important file (whether it be a photo or ar a midi) make as many back-ups as possible (without going crazy of course) because all storage mediums can become unstable with time. DVD can store way more data than CD but are also way more unreliable. Also try not to fill disks right up because the info writes from inside to outside and the outside is more likely to get faults. I try to date folders (maybe monthly or 6 monthly depending on usage and volume) so that when I back up I only need to back up new material.

[Steptoe]

You need to save them as a data disc.

Often when a computer crashes the files are still recoverable from the harddrive

[Emerald Midi]

steptoe said:

You need to save them as a data disc.

Often when a computer crashes the files are still recoverable from the harddrive

Do you mean "Data disc" as in a Cd or DVD?

[Steptoe]

Either, depending on how many files you have. I'm asuming you have to many for a CD, In Nero smartstart one of the options is make a data DVD (or CD).

Nero can't make an audio CD or DVD because as we all know MIDI files are a series of commands and not actual music.

[jacqui01]

Thanks for all the advise guys,
Hide them in a folder with password access on your own website.
Don't understand this re: own website?


DVD can store way more data than CD but are also way more unreliable.
I thought a DVD just had more space, or is there any other difference when it comes to backing up music, why more unreliable?

Do you think it matters if it's a DVD or RW DVD?

I've got a Key Drive spare so that's a good idea too.

I'm gonna try a back up now with Nero on the Data setting and see how it goes.

Thanks to everyone at the Midmart Customer Services Department ;D

Jacqui

[levi2]

i dont use re-write disks anymore
sometimes end up corrupt then unreadable 50 dvds for £6.50 online

[jmagick]

Just curious, Jacqui...
Was your backup successful with the Nero software?
You stated it was version 6. It is known to have capatibility issues with XP service pack 2.

Let me know if you did, as I know of a free software suitable for your purposes.

Also, XP itself, can write directly to a few CD/DVD writers. Drag and Drop style! Depends on the drive though.

Jerry

[jacqui01]

Hi Jerry
Well I had a go, some files are OK, and some files seem to come up with errors, I also tried some MP3 that were zipped and again, I seem to get errors messages, should it make any difference if you have Verify Data On Disc After Burning ticked.
I seem to have more success with CDR than DVD, but I really wanted to keep all the midi's on one disc so they are easier to find and there were too many for a CD
I'd be interested to know about the software you mentioned?
The Burner I have is a Sony DVD/RW
Jacqui

[ziggy]

You must have a lot of midis Jacqui, if you can't get them all on one CDR.

[jmagick]

Hi Jacqui,

CDBurnerXP Pro

The link provided is a freeware cd/dvd burning software I've successfully used on numerous obscure burners as well as the more common types. The issue with Nero version 6 is the packet writing driver it normally loads as a service. If you feel uncomfortable about uninstalling Nero, just disable the driver in the services control panel.
If I remember correctly, it should be listed as InCD packet writer.

Reboot your computer, then install CDBurnerXP Pro.

You should be able to burn about 10,000 midis to a cdr disc. (roughly 700mg) MP3's are most definately larger and would require more cdr/dvd discs. Hope this helps.

Using the verify disc checkbox is OK and recommended.

Jerry