*Nerd rage* HD erase AGAIN!

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Green_Lantern

Green_Lantern

Staff member
Yet again, I face a empty Hard Drive, I called the techsupport this morning and they told me that they couldn't retrieve any data from my HD and had to replace with a new one.

well, since I am going to install a bunch of stuff anyway, I would like some advice if there is any software that I might be unaware that I need, I usually use AVG as my anti-virus and Autocad for my job, plus all the office stuff, any tips of things that might be usefull that I don't know?

Also, do you guys think that externals HD are more reliable? The problem with my computer usually relate because of my pc computer and proper eletrical system in the building, I was thinking I should host most of my data in on a external HD, though, I don't known if they also keep programs as well.
 
sixpackshaker

sixpackshaker

I would not install a program on an external.

My general recommendation on simple external drives is to use them for long term storage/back up. Only attach them when you need them. I notice when I leave one plugged in that has over 100 gigs stored on it, when I boot up, it adds minutes to my boot time.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
There's no inherent greater stability in an external drive than an internal. If you think the problems stem from bad power in your building, you might want to invest in a good UPS.
 
Green_Lantern

Green_Lantern

Staff member
GasBandit said:
There's no inherent greater stability in an external drive than an internal. If you think the problems stem from bad power in your building, you might want to invest in a good UPS.
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Indeed I need one =|

I only have a "Estabilizer" (or whatever you call it), my idea of using the external HD was because I assumed that I could keep it off-line and less exposed that way.
 
figmentPez

figmentPez

Staff member
Green_Lantern said:
, my idea of using the external HD was because I assumed that I could keep it off-line and less exposed that way.
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That's not a bad idea. If you plug in the eternal drive only when you're actively backing-up, then it will have less of a chance of being harmed by electrical stuff.

When backing up to an external drive there are two basic courses. One is to back up just your data, the other is to clone your drive. Backing up just data is easier and faster, but if your system goes down you'll still need to reinstall everything. Cloning your hard drive takes longer, requires backup software (and I'm not sure if any programs on the PC can do it while the OS is running) but when you restore from a cloned image, all your programs and data should be exactly as they were when you backed up.

Another option, besides an external hard drive, is online storage. Something like Mozy or Carbonite. Storing your data online would stop electrical issues on your end from being a problem.
 
Shakey

Shakey

I'd just get a UPS. The problem with relying on an external HD is it will still be running off a dirty source of power. Even if it's for a small amount of time, all it takes is a good spike to kill it.
 
D

Dusty668

Shakey said:
I'd just get a UPS. The problem with relying on an external HD is it will still be running off a dirty source of power. Even if it's for a small amount of time, all it takes is a good spike to kill it.
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I go with both of these.
 
M

Matt²

as a sidenote, WD (Western Digital) hard drive quality has gone to complete and utter CRAP AND GARBAGE in the last couple years.. I've been a hardcore WD fanatic for years, but after losing three WD's in a *row in 2 months this past summer, plus multiples of my customers, I'd say go with someone else. I'm curious to know what brand of hard drive yours was/is?

* first was a 300 gig that died under warranty before 3 years up...
*it's replacement was a 500 gig upgrade from WD since they didn't make 300 gigs anymore and it took more than a month to get rma'd to me.
*THAT replacement died 1 month after the day it was created, stamped July 29 2009!.. it's replacement has never been used though it sits as a spare drive.. I cautiously wait to see if it's going to self incinerate...
(BTW, I replaced that drive ultimately with a 1 tb Hitachi drive, working smoothly.)
 
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