How to make one PC backup open files/hard drive for another

[scott1394]

I would like to protect my business against computer theft, hardware failure, or some freaky virus attack by using one PC in a hidden location to make frequent or real-time backups of files on at least one other computer. Basically to use a PC as a redundent hard drive for another, or at least a good backup system..

More detail: I do not want to use a server operating system or spend big money...dont want to buy an external hard drive etc. So Im looking for cheap software that will make this easy. Or maybe I can use the backup utility in XP? The only thing that might be tricky is that I want it to back up files that are open or in use on another machine. I leave files open for weeks, although I save them as I work of course, and these are the files most critical.This is where windows networking seems to not work for this, out of nesisicty it does not want to allow 2 separate PC to access the same file. I would also like to copy the various temporary and hidden files and config settings that windows uses so as to speed recovery. But since I'm not looking to modify any files on the back-up machine, only copy them, I need a way to override this. True redundent hard drive capabilities on a second machine would be the best, and I would also like to be able to access the functionality of the backup or file system from the first (non-backup) machine. I'd install a second hard drive on the backup machine if this would help.

 

[jakatz]

Just read an interesting article about being able to back up open files - it requires a registry tweak - but it might work for you. Here is what I read:

The tweak involves a change to a backup engine setting. By default, the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Ntbackup\Backup Engine\Backup files inuse registry subkey's value is set to 0 (disabled). You can set this value to 1 to permit the backup engine to lock files during backup and restore activities. Doing so lets you back up open files, but be aware that this setting can cause problems in WINS, DHCP, and DNS because the setting places a temporary lock on the files that those applications use.

With this tweak in place, I would think that you could then use the Windows XP built-in backup routine to back-up across a small network where the PC's have their "My Documents" folder shared.

One thing I would recommend though is once the files are backed up to the "hidden location" PC, then take the time to burn the file after each backup to a DVD or removable media - this way (I am sure I don't have to tell you this, but I will anyhow) - on if the source files get infected later on, and then you back them up to the "hidden" PC, the refresh of the backup won't get infected thus rendering your files unusable anyhow (which is what you are looking to avoid in the first place).

Good luck.

Jeffrey A. Katz
Senior IS Analyst