INFO: USB 2.0 Powered, Portable External Backup solution. (Model # X1)
REVIEW DATE: 7/09/04
COST: $39.00 - $49.00 USD (No HDD Included.)
AUTHOR: David Kroll
EDITOR: Jon "Wampa" Bender
SPONSOR: COOLMAX
The software install:
Installing the software is pictorially represented below. The
only thing I really want to point out is the size of the executable in picture
17. In task manager in XP, the exe takes up about 4 megabytes of memory, which
is quite small compared to 32 megs that M$ Word 2003 needs to
run continuously.Intro:
 |
 |
| (14) Installing... |
(15)... |
| |
|
 |
 |
| (16) Restart or not? |
(17) Size of .exe |
In picture 18, I tried to use the shortcut on
the desktop, avoiding the reboot that was deemed necessary in 16. So, I restart,
and a run-once driver install kicks in. Yes, you need to click continue anyway.
It takes a tremendous amount of time to get drivers signed for XP. I've never
had a problem personally without any driver that wasn't
WHQL.
 |
| (18) Dang, have to reboot... |
| |
 |
| (19) XP driver install after
reboot |
Below you can see the system tray icon
(well,
mostly). If your unit is unplugged, the icon gets a yellow "N/A" drawn over it.
Hitting the "About" brings up picture 21. Exit closes it of course, and Cancel
cancels an operation in progress...
 |
| (20) Systray icon |
| |
 |
| (21) About |
How the software works:
Pressing the "Selective Backup" button on the unit brings up
what you see first below. Then you can select exactly what you want to backup.
Click on "Start" and the software will count the files, and start the back up
progress. Pressing the "Total Backup" button will bring up what you see in
picture 26. Although this part of testing I can't do properly, I'll tell you
what it does. The software checks up to 4 hard drives on your IDE chain, and
backs up all files that are smartly excluded. I'll get to that in just a bit.
I'll give you a hint though, you'll want a large hard drive...
 |
 |
| (22) Partial backup |
(23) Select files |
| |
|
 |
 |
| (24) Lots 'o files |
(25) In progress |
| |
 |
| (26) Full backup! |
Restoring files:
Simple enough. Push the last button that I hadn't gone in to
detail with, the "Restore" button, and you'll be accompanied by picture 27. You
can either hit "Browse" to selectively restore files, or "Start" to just do them
all. If you do them all, depending on how much data there is, be prepared to
wait.
 |
 |
| (27) Data restore function |
(28) Select files to restore |
While I wanted to do full testing under USB
1.1 which I have on my workstation, I was unable to. I have two 60 gig drives in
my machine. And yes, they are quite full. I will be testing on a 30 gig Fujitsu
2.5" drive, but the size of the laptop drive comes into play. The testing will
be next, and final page...
Next >>>
|
 |