Microsoft and Seagate software both fail to back up all Hard Drive files to external HD. What is the cause? (screen, sound)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm getting ready to send my PC back into the GeekSquad for further repairs. However, I can't do it until all my files are backed up.
Unfortunately, after using both Win 7 Backup Utility and the Seagate backup software, neither have been successful in completely backing up my PC hard drive to the external HD (Seagate Free Agent).
Recently I had a spyware infection, which seems to be resolved. Neither Webroot or FreeAntiSpyware indicate any residual infections, however it seems likely that file association errors remain.
Now the file association errors were supposedly fixed... But if that's the case, what else could be causing both MS Backup Utility and Seagate's backup software to fail in transferring all files from the PC hard drive to the external one?
In Windows 7 Backup, use the option "create a system image" in the left margin. That way after Dork Patrol reformats your drive, you'll be able to quickly restore it to the state it was in when you handed it over. Be sure to make the system repair disc too.
Make a full image backup of your computer. That way you can do a full restore. Some imaging utilities will also let you pick and choose which files you want to restore.
The notion of creating an image and doing a full restore may work. But if you had any virus or malware before, you'll still have it after.
I'm thinking the same thing. Why are some advising him to image a drive that is possibly messed up, and then restore it? He's supposed image it before it goes bad, not after.
I'm thinking the same thing. Why are some advising him to image a drive that is possibly messed up, and then restore it? He's supposed image it before it goes bad, not after.
Because he didn't indicate the exact nature of the "repairs" Dork Patrol is supposed to perform. He said the malware infection had been removed and that only a file association issue remained. That doesn't sound like something you'd need to send a computer off to repair. If you don't think Dork Patrol will turn any repair into a reformatted hard drive, you haven't dealt with them. I've seen them take a computer in to replace a screen, then claim the computer was infected with malware and returned it restored to factory state.
I have had problems in the past with backups to external USB drives - the cause was not a software problem but an unreliable USB controller in the drive. It worked fine for small transfers, but not big backups. In the OP's post, the common item is the drive. Two different backup programs experienced an (unknown) failure to the same drive.
Might try Microsoft's Synctoy utility to backup smaller units at a time.
I agree completely with avoiding the Geek Squad if at all possible.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
He's supposed image it before it goes bad, not after. 
