I recently added a windows 7 computer and external USB drive to my small LAN(4 winXP computers plus a maxtor network drive) and want to automate my data backup of all my data on the new USB attached drive to my windows 7 computer. The windows 7 tools backup tool can only schedule and backup any files/data on the windows 7 computer but not anything on my Maxtor network drive. Is there a way to include the Maxtor drive in the backup job? If not, is there software that can schedule and backup my windows 7 computer and Maxtor Network drive? My Maxtor network drive is used to store all my common data that is used by everyone on the network. I am willing to backup all my data weekly or perform daily incremental backups. thanks in advance. teary

Hi, Which PC does the maxtor network drive connect to? You want to backup the data on Maxtor and windows 7 to the new USB drive, am I correct? Check if this tool help in your situation. Note: The third-party product discussed here is manufactured by a company that is independent of Microsoft. We make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability. Regards,Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Hi Magon, The Maxtor network drive is connected to the LAN via ethernet (It is not connected to any pc and it is linux based). I use the maxtor drive as my main data drive to store and update all my data by everyone on the lan. I have a new usb drive connected to my new win7 pc. I would like to backup all my data on the USB drive once and incrementally any updates on a daily basis. I will rotate this USB drive offsite after one week and install a second usb drive to continue the backup process. That way, in case of a fire or robbery, I would have all my data on the offsite backup usb drive. My problem is that the win7 backup tool only works for data on that pc. It doesn't allow me to include data on the mator drive (which is where all my resides and used by everyone on the lan). I currently only backup my data to the usb drive manually on a monthly basis by using copy commands. ken

Hello Magon – I’m researching your post and will respond back with more information soon. Thanks, Ron Stock [MSFT] Microsoft Online Community Support Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread. ”

Hi Teary, You need Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate to backup to a networked storage device\drive. You can use the anytime upgrade to change versions.

Hi Teary, I re-read your post and I see the requirement is to back-up a drive on the network (not to backup TO a drive on the network). In the Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate versions we give the option to back up your data TO a drive on the network however we don’t offer the ability to back up the data residing on a network drive as you're asking. I believe it is fairly common for people with home based LANs to achieve this option with Windows Home Server. I hope this helps clear up the confusion. Thanks, Ron Stock [MSFT] Microsoft Online Community Support Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread. ”

On Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:32:26 +0000, Nano Warp wrote: You need Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate to backup to a networked storage device\drive. That's true of the Windows 7 backup program, but it is not true of backup in general. There are many other ways to do backups. Ken Blake

Good point Ken. I think you’re responding to Nano’s post. :) I just wanted to clarify the technical ASK. None of the built-in backup utilities in Windows 7 (all versions) will back up the contents of a networked drive, however Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate versions will back allow you to select a network drive "destination". But you’re absolutely right; there are many other ways to do backups like teary is asking ( scripted XCOPY, third party solutions, etc..) Thanks, Ron Stock [MSFT] Microsoft Online Community Support Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread. ”

On Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:46:41 +0000, Ron St - MSFT wrote: Good point Ken. I think youre responding to Nanos post. :) I just wanted to clarify the technical ASK.None of thebuilt-in backup utilities inWindows 7 (all versions)will back upthe contents of anetworked drive,however Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate versions will back allow you to select a network drive "destination". But youre absolutely right; there are many other ways to do backups liketeary is asking ( scripted XCOPY, third party solutions, etc..) And included in that "etc." is my personal favorite, Windows Home Server. Ken Blake