CD backups
This tutorial shows how to backup your data from a local computer to CD by using a backup software such as Backup2 DVD. Once installed, Backup2 CD lets you define a backup job and either run the backup to CD manually or set it on automatic execution (to run automaticallly the CD should be loaded in the tray). The first step in backing your data to CD 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 CD media from the destinations list, select the backup type and set it to run automatically (scheduled) or manually.
Backup to CD using Backup2 DVD (hdd to cd)
Backup to CD was a very popular backup method, but now it's not as popular as backing up to DVD (given the larger size, especially since Blu-ray discs are now available). However, if your sources are not that large, it could be a possible alternative to classic backup media. If you intend to do a backup to CD, consider our recommendations:- Don't use the same CD for consecutive backups. Best choice is to use different CDs for each backup version (change the CD after each run of the backup). Use a set of CDs that you can rotate periodically (e.g.: take 7 CDs, one for each week day; start with the first CD 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 CD.
- Rewritable CDs can be re-written only for a limited number of times. When using a rewritable CD, if errors occur first consider whether the CD 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 CD with Backup2 DVD
Backup2 DVD makes the backup to CD 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 CD 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 CD 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 CD to be executed automatically at specific time intervals. If you schedule this backup, just remember that you will need to have the CD you want to backup to in the CD 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 CD:- Internal CD burning engine. By default Backup2 DVD uses one of its own built-in burning engines to backup to CD (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 CDs. If the backup does not fit on one CD, this CD backup software will automatically span the backup over multiple CD discs. Each disc is assigned a different label for future identification. We recommend marking the CD with this label.
- Backup to CD 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 CD tool. If the CD is erasable (CD-RW), you can use Backup2 DVD's own Erase CD/DVD/Blu-ray tool to erase it. Simply put the CD-RW disc in the CD 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 CD-RW. Backup2 DVD can automatically erase the CD-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 CD-RW before writing the backup to it.