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Which HDD handycam is the all around easiest to use?

Can I use an internal HDD as an external HDD?

  • I'm looking for the easiest way to frequently backup my files on my toshiba laptop. The original hdd failed, I'm replacing with a WD2500BEKT from newegg for $60/pc. They seem to be good drives at a great price, should I buy two and use one to transfer and backup files (basically as an external) using a USB adapter cable? This way if the primary drive fails I could use the backup as a temporary replacement until I buy another, or Is this not a safe reliable way to backup files? I'll need to repurchase and install windows 7 but I've never purchase/installed an OS b4. Can I install W7 on both drives? Also can I transfer files from a desktop running W98 or will it not be compatible? All together I only have 120GB (music/pics/bookmarks) to transfer and backup regularly. Is there an easier/cheaper/safer way I should consider? I've tried w/ DVD's before but wasted alot of discs due to error interruptions. I would rather use a HDD or SSD. Thanks for any help

  • Answer:

    The best way to do this would be using some kind of imaging software. What imaging software does it it completely copies your hard drive to the destination hard drive. In the event that your hard drive failed, you would boot of the software with your backup hard drive installed. Then, it would turn the compressed image into a full operating OS with all your data. The software I personally use for imaging is "Acronis True Image". In regards to your title question, yes, you can use an internal HDD as an external HDD - but you'll probably need a docking station. Something like this would work - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153071

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hi first you don't need to install windows on both drives for then to be useful just one for booting and primary storage the second drive i would step up in a RAID configuration you can get free RAID soft are from the internet for a boot drive encase one fails then you will need to put windows one both or many a third drive on the subject of HDD or SSD HDD are way better value for money but there is more to go wrong but SSD's are much faster but for a desktop setup i would for for a HDD to back up onto but many a SSD to boot to if your primary internal drive fails also i would look at online back up for files e.g. drop box but then will depend on your internet connection. hope this helps

mike

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