Good Backup Solution

Hello, I am working on a backup solution for someone and would like some input on the best way to accomplish this.

The setup is three Windows 7 computers and a Windows Server 2003, what they would like is a daily backup solution in case a hard drive crashes where they would be able to restore an image of their setup and files into a new hard drive without having to re-install windows and their programs.

I have searched the forums for some good software to accomplish this and found a few good candidates such as Cobian Backup and SyncBack but I am open to suggestions.

As far as the hardware would it be best to buy an external hard drive for each computer or is there a better solution?

I appreciate the help!

 

As you need a backup capable of restoring an entire system, rather than simply restoring data files, sync programs such as SyncBack won't suffice. You need an imaging system such as Acronis, Macrium Reflect, Easeus Todo Backup, etc, etc. You will need the bought version in order to get the functionality you need for scheduled daily incremental backups.

Hardwarewise you would get the best backup speeds with an external or preferably a second internal drive on each machine. Costwise a NAS drive would be better, but even over a gigabit LAN the backups would take one heck of a long time.

 

I'd say Window Home Server it does a image of any (up to 6, I think) attached PCs. It only costs $50.00, but I don't think it will play well with a domain. You may want to look into it.

 

They decided they want each computer to have it's own external hard drive attached that it backs up the images to. So that aspect is solved, still trying to decide the best piece of software to accomplish the incremental backups. Thank you so much for all your input!!

 

Thank you! I think I will go with the Acronis True Image software and buy the 3 licenses for the 3 pcs, and then use the built in backup software on Server 2003 to back it up:

http://www.it-notebook.org/uncategorized/article/backup_windows_server_2003.htm

Thanks again for all your help! I'll post on how the process went after I am finished with it!