external hard drive

[COLIN293]

I am 1st time user of ext. HD as my back up discs are becoming too unwieldy. I clicked for a full back up and when finished it showed 30 GB on the ext HD whereas my comp. drive shows I have 100 GB on it. I can't see why there is such a difference between the two. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? I would be grateful if someone could put my mind at rest. Not losing any sleep over it at the moment but my cheeks are becoming sore with all the scratching.

[squarebear]

What backup software are you using?
A lot of them compress the files as they back them up so you can get more data on your disk.

If in doubt, rename one of your files and see if you can restore it.

[ACtheTROLL]

you don't say what size or what Os

XP shows the total size first and used in a second ... so maybe you missed the free


right click on the drive ... properties will show you a pie chart of used/free

[Postdog]

OK, do you have a system recovery/installation disc of any kind. If you do, then that should restore your PC to as when bought. Touch wood, since the days of '98, my PC('s) have never wholly crashed, and I have always been in a position to reinstall if need be.

Backing up the stuff that wasn't on it that you want to safeguard (DL programs, photo's, mp3's etc) can then simply be copied over as and when you want.

I actually prefer this to some of the software options, as at least you are in control all the time.

[ACtheTROLL]

how did we get from a q on free space to crash and burn?

[Postdog]

Because they want to back stuff up. I am assuming he is using a program to try and do a complete recovery IF HE CRASHES. I was just trying to point out there are other ways round it which wouldn't need a back up program

[COLIN293]

Many thanks for your answers to my query. I have opened a file from the ext dtive and it all appears to be o.k. so I can rest easy. After reading the replies I now realise that more info should have been supplied and should I have any more questions I'll give it more thought. By the way it's a Vista Home Premium OS. Again many thanks.