I installed NTBackup to do simple daily file backups, because it will backup and restore ANY file type. (3rd party programs seem limited in files types, especially OE email).

As a test, I created a folder with a test Word document inside. The backup to an external USB drive worked fine using the NTBackup Wizard.

But when I tried to test the Restore function, it asks you to check the file you wish to restore. This file list is apparently saved within NTBackup somehow, because it is there even if I unplug the backup drive.

No matter what I do, I cannot get the check box to accept the check mark for the file I wish to restore. Consequently, I cannot move forward with my restore test.

I know there are many other backup programs out there, but since I only want to save files (including OE email and Firefox bookmarks) this seems to be ideal.

I am hoping there is a simple explanation/fix. All I can find online is how to Backup. Almost nothing on Restore. And absolutely nothing about NTBackup not taking these check marks.

Any ideas?

Thanks...

BTW, I also don't seem to be able to clear the file history in NTBackup. Even uninstalling and reinstalling the utility doesn't clear it.

When the NTBackup utility first originated, backups were done to tape cartridges via a tape drive. The general tape paradigm still pervades most backup software even when backing up to disk. A job consisting of a selection of files is created and then the job is run to create a catalog of the files and copy them to one or more media (tapes). The catalog can be stored separately or included on the media. NTBackup stores the catalog in %SystemRoot%\Documents and Settings\Account\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows NT\NTBackup (more info at Backup Catalogs Are Missing When You Run Multiple Instances of Ntbackup.exe and Start Backups at the Same Time (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/325832)) and displays the catalogs for completed jobs on the Restore tab. This is desirable because typical backup methodology consists of numerous full and incremental jobs at various times of the week or month. A catalog can also be rebuilt from media in case the original catalog was destroyed by hard drive failure, etc. Recreating all the catalogs from media to restore a single specific file would be tedious and time consuming, especially with tape, if the catalogs weren't saved somewhere. Catalogs on the Restore tab can be deleted by right-clicking and choosing Delete catalog. More info on catalog management is found under the Catalogs topic in the NTBackup help index.

I'm not sure why you cannot check the file for restore unless the media (your test backup file) is detected as unavailable because the drive it is on is unplugged. Can you post a screenshot?

Historical Info:
NTBackup is a subset of the former Veritas Backup Exec software as evidenced in NTBackup's Help > About. More history at Wikipedia: Backup Exec (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backup_Exec) and Wikipedia: NTBackup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTBackup).

Thank you so much Scleros.!

The right click to delete catalog worked just fine.

As far as the check box not taking, I found that if you click the C drive box first (which oddly is "below" the file), then it allows the check mark to stick. I don't understand the logic there, but it works. I also noticed that the check marks are only necessary if I do a "custom" backup.

If I just use the preset backup of "My Documents and Settings - includes My Documents folder, Favorites, Desktop, and Cookies" (first selection on backup list), no check marks are needed. (sorry but I couldn't figure out how to insert a screenshot here).

I have 2 questions please.

Question 1) Is this selection the same as C:\Documents and Settings?

I ran a test backup of each, and the C:\Documents and Settings saved 959 more files than the NTBackup preset of My Documents and Settings.

I need to back up all of my personal files of course (docs, photos, etc), but also want to back up all OE emails, email settings, address book, Firefox bookmarks and settings. These, of course, are all included in C:\Documents and Settings, but I don't know if they are all included in NTBackup's preset mentioned above.

Any way to find out?

Question 2) Can you recommend a (free) BKF reader I can download, that would allow me to do a save-as from the backup drive in the file's original file type?

PS: I am just curious how this backup utility knows where all the files go back. Stupid question I suppose??

Thanks again Scleros. I almost gave up on this program.

Disclaimer:
I know this is antiquated, and not even close to any automation other than scheduled backups, but it seems stable (thou shall do no harm to my operating system), and it is the only backup program I have found (other than a disk image) that backs up my OE email and Firefox stuff as well as documents.

If I just use the preset backup of "My Documents and Settings...Is this selection the same as C:\Documents and Settings?

I don't see where you are seeing "My Documents and Settings..." either in the full interface or using the wizard mode (I'm using XP). What version of Windows are you using?

In any case, C:\Documents and Settings will contain more files. My Documents folder, Favorites, Desktop, and Cookies would comprise a subset of the files in C:\Documents and Settings.


but I don't know if they are all included in NTBackup's preset mentioned above

The safest thing is to backup C:\Documents and Settings.


Any way to find out?

You already know. The backups you did using both selections do not result in the same number of files being backup up.


Can you recommend a (free) BKF reader I can download, that would allow me to do a save-as from the backup drive in the file's original file type?

Huh? That's called a restore.


I am just curious how this backup utility knows where all the files go back.

That's what the catalogs are for. If you delete the catalogs on the Restore tab after running a job, the resulting BKF file must be re-cataloged first to perform a restore from it. There is also the option when doing a restore to place the files in an alternate directory tree.

As always, thank you for taking the time with all this. I am liking this utility, old as it is, it seems it may be just what I need.

I am also using XP SP3.

To answer your questions (about my questions):

Regarding Quote 1)
(This would be easier if I could figure out how to do a screenshot here) - In the Wizard mode, 3rd screen > "What to back up" > 1st bullet: "My Documents and Settings".

Regarding Quote 2)
If I use this bullet, it is faster because I don't have to go into "Let me choose what I want to backup" (same screen, last bullet) and locate and check mark the C:\Documents and Settings folder.

If their 1st bullet captures all the files I want, then no need for the slightly larger C:\Documents and Settings folder. Plus faster configuration for me.

Regarding Quote 3)
I want all my documents, photos, OE emails, email settings, IE7 favorites, Firefox Bookmarks and settings. That's really it.

I don't think I need everything that is in C:\Documents and Settings, if their 1st bullet captures my list.

I was thinking about installing an old cloned HDD in my PC and deleting files to see what does and doesn't get restored using their 1st bullet selection for what to backup. I really don't know how else to find out what is in their backup list for bullet #1 (hope this makes sense). Maybe this is buried in an MS document somewhere, but I can't find it.

Regarding Quote 4)
Sorry, I wasn't being clear. Disclaimer: I still don't know exactly how NTBackup works, and plan to play around with it as I mentioned above. What I meant was, if my PC flames out and must be buried in the back yard, I thought I would need a BKF converter so I could transfer the files to another PC. I assumed, perhaps incorrectly, that the Restore would only work on the same PC that the files originally were copied from. If NTBackup will allow me to load the files on another PC or operating system (ie Windows 7), then I guess I don't need the BKF converter.

Regarding Quote 5)
Thanks for the explanation there. Makes sense. Can you tell me how to find the option to direct the restore to place the files somewhere else on the PC? Again, that would eliminate the need for me to convert the BKF files on the backup drive. I could just load them into some innocuous folder on the new PC and pick through them.

Thanks Scleros!

I don't think I need everything that is in C:\Documents and Settings, if their 1st bullet captures my list.

You don't need everything. However, I bet the 1st bullet only captures what is listed, which isn't enough.


I really don't know how else to find out what is in their backup list for bullet #1

After making a test backup, restart NTBackup in wizard mode and choose restore. The full directory tree of what was backed up will be shown in the catalog for the backup on the What to Restore page of the wizard.

Alternatively, if the backup is made in non-wizard mode, the option exists to create a backup report while doing the backup containing a listing of all the files that were backup up and if any weren't, why.


I thought I would need a BKF converter so I could transfer the files to another PC. I assumed, perhaps incorrectly, that the Restore would only work on the same PC that the files originally were copied from.

Nope. Full system recovery to a new drive is possible using NTBackup, however it is slower and more hassle than using imaging product like Acronis TrueImage. If a full system backup BKF is created and then your drive fails, the BKF can be restored to another hard drive by first installing Windows on the hard drive to have a usable system, and then restoring the BKF ontop of the new Windows installation.

Restoring to another system can be problematic due to hardware differences from the original system. In this case, it is best to reinstall Windows with all the necessary drivers for the new system's hardware and then restore just your data files from the BKF and not the whole BKF.


how to find the option to direct the restore to place the files somewhere else on the PC?

In basic wizard mode, click Advanced button on last page of restore wizard to pick restore location options.

In Non-wizard mode, bottom left of Restore & Manage Media tab.

I think it is time for me to dive in and start experimenting so I can get the hang of this.

Yes, just test restore to an alternate location or drive so your original files don't risk getting messed up.


Just for kicks, would you take a look at this and tell me what you think?...FBackup

It has a pretty website which says it will do open file backups using Microsoft's Volume Shadow copy - that's good. However, the website also says it is not recommended for full system backup - that's bad. I think if one invests the time and expense in making backups, fast full bare metal recovery of the backed up system to a new drive or another system without a lot of fuss (backup file + boot CD) should be the goal.