Difficult to select group of files to backup

[dsteinke]

I'm currently evaluating Retrospect Express (V 5.6.132 on WinXP) for possible purchase.

 

With previous backup software I've used, I was able to create a list

 

of directories (folders) and files that I wanted to backup. I could save the lists,

 

then cause a backup operation to use that list as the source for the

 

backup (incremental, full, or whatever) Examples: Ditto Tools Backup and the old

 

Norton backup.

 

 

 

With Retrospect Express, it seems like they only want me to use

 

their predefined selectors. The first time I tried a backup, it did pop up

 

a browser window so I could deselect the files and directories I did not

 

want to backup. But I could not find a way to save this list for future backup.

 

Their selectors include very broad categories that include huge numbers of files

 

on my disk.

 

The problem with the predefined selectors is this:

 

There is no way I want to try to backup my 3.5 GB of data! I'm only interested

 

in important files and don't want to copy every music or picture file (for example)

 

that I have ever saved.

 

The browser allows you to make a one time selection of files to backup,

 

but I can't figure out how to save it.

 

 

 

I found it humorous when the user doc said:

 

"You cannot use a browser within a script because scripts are meant for unattended

 

execution at a later time. Using a browser would not be useful because the volume's

 

contents are likely to change between the time you edit the script and the time the

 

script is executed." (See page 154)

 

If I select the directories I want to save, then the software should automatically

 

pick up any new files that show up in the directory, well duh!

 

 

 

Please tell me if there is a way to do what I want to do. I played with

 

volumes and subvolumes, but that seemed very strange. I could create

 

subvolumes for different directories, but the directory hierarchy was not

 

preserved if I only wanted to select certain branches of the directory

 

tree. The docs for this really said very little.

[RonBack]

I too have been trying to accomplish the same thing. It's a pain in the neck to select files for backup each time. Should be a way to do it once, save it, and then call it up and repeat. If you resolve the question, I would appreciate knowing how.

[Mayoff]

Retrospect Express has very limited file selection options. If you use Retrospect Desktop edition or higher, you can create custom file selection criteria using the selectors.

[gddutton]

Well, I guess I have my answer. I too have been frustrated trying to figure out how to do something as basic as choose a limited selection of folders to back up. So frustrated in fact that I took it back to the store to ask for my money; but of course, that's not possible. I will be on the phone with Dantz Customer Service to ask for the same.

 

 

 

I'm also quite disappointed that there is no such thing as "official" technical support for at least a limited warranty period.

 

 

 

Retrospect Express' limitations do not justify the $60 price. I'm afraid to even consider Desktop after my experience with Express. I would have been much happier using MS Backup for free.

 

 

 

Lesson learned: Never buy first based on what you see read on the box. If you can try first, do it; otherwise, it's a gamble.

 

 

 

Disappointed,

 

gd

 

 

[lv2ski]

Competitive pressure to keep our software prices low makes it impractical

 

for Dantz to provide unlimited free technical support. In order to keep our

 

costs in line and our support quality at its customary high levels, Dantz

 

now charges for technical support.

 

 

 

New customers are entitled to a limited (30-day) period of free installation

 

and setup support. All Dantz customers can choose to receive expert

 

technical assistance by purchasing an annual subscription or by paying on a

 

per-incident basis. Dantz has also improved the searchable technical

 

Knowledgebase on the Dantz website, and an online Retrospect Backup Forum

 

has been created for community-based support.

 

 

 

We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the best technical

 

support in the industry.

 

 

[gddutton]

Called Dantz Customer Service. Was on hold for 35 minutes due to high call volume. Asked for refund and it was granted.

 

 

 

 

 

gd