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Thread ID: 67337 2006-03-24 22:40:00 Reliability of dvd for backups dolby digital (5073) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
440449 2006-03-24 22:40:00 Does anyone use rewritable dvd's for backups? I have attempted to use DVD+RW but the reliability of the disks is shocking (maybe its the combination of dvd writer and disks :mad: ). They are mid priced disks as I read somewhere that the price doesn't necessarily equate to quality. So does anyone have good experiences with rewritable dvd's over a number of months/backups. dolby digital (5073)
440450 2006-03-24 23:10:00 A few of my clients use them, mainly because they aren't backing up enough to warrant the cost of a tape drive.
Using Imation DVD-RW discs and have been for about a year now. I check the backups every few weeks by restoring the data onto my PC and they are always good.
I use this (http://www.zip-backup.com/) program to do the backups as it has it's own writing software built in so don't need to use InCD or whatever.
Most are using LiteOn DVD writers but a couple have Sony ones.
CYaBro (73)
440451 2006-03-25 04:08:00 I've used Imation DVD -RW for temporary storage of videos. Plays fine in a Technics (cheap) DVD player and no problems so far. I prefer DVD -R and -RW even though various sites say +R and +RW are just as readable. Winston001 (3612)
440452 2006-03-25 05:52:00 Depends on what you deem reliable, and how much the data is worth to you. ninja (1671)
440453 2006-03-25 07:08:00 Depends on what you deem reliable, and how much the data is worth to you.

Reliable means when you go and it get the backup from 6 months ago, you can read it without read errors. No point in backing it up to unreliable media.
dolby digital (5073)
440454 2006-03-25 07:40:00 Reliable means when you go and it get the backup from 6 months ago, you can read it without read errors. No point in backing it up to unreliable media.

Very much agreed. So could you tell us what program you are using to write the DVD and the Operating System if you please. I personally have not used CD-RW or DVD-RW to back up data. I use a combination of a second hard drive and Ghost an image and also CD-R to backup data.

Nero will verify the backup after it does the backup. I have had the odd backup fail verification on a CD. In which case I have slung the lot into my rubbish bin and redid the backup.

Note that you only have to backup your data like photos, documents, music and etc. This would assume you have your original operating system disk, motherboard drivers, printer drivers, modem drivers and also all applications you or others have installed.

When it comes to family computers where several have made profiles and passwords it becomes a little more difficult. We have to convince each person to back up the data.
Sweep (90)
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