ssd disc

 

Not sure why, but that cracked me up.

sorry ssd drive instead of a normally 7200 rpm

sorry ssd drive instead of a normally 7200 rpm

 

Do you need glasses?

He has 1 TB SSD

You lucky boy Stan B)

Hi Mike:

 

I haven't really found a backup solution that will create an exact image that I like.  What I've done for many years is to reserve one of my HDD as a repository for all downloaded software. This drive is strictly for downloads, all installs are then done to another HDD.  Then once every two days I backup my download drive to an external (2TB) HDD, also at the same time backing up other important files (excel, word, quicken data) to the same HDD.  Then once each quarter I bring out a spare 3TB USB drive and do the same backup, when finished the drive goes back in the box in the closet.  Also created an excel spreadsheet with all installed programs and the license key, which is also part to the backup.  And just to be extra safe I copy my outlook mail file, which has the original mail and license keys from the supplier, to my laptop.  I would be interested also in finding a backup solution that will create a exact image.  Tried a program from Norton but didn't care for it, don't know anything about Acronis, will have to search on that, but hopefully some folks will get on here and tell me about the solution they're using.

 

Regards

Bob Demarest

Birmingham, Al.

Hi Bob,

 

I appreciate your feedback.   You sound like me (very detail oriented and organized). Essentially I create similar folders for the downloads, software key's etc.  Acronis (and others... they all cost about $50 for the software) allow you to "clone" your hard drive (making an exact copy... so the operating system, all software, drivers, registry, etc) is on the backup.) Of course one wants to back it up on a drive that doesn't live on that computer system... for obvious reasons.  Should that computer system crash for any reason (hardware or software issues), it is a pretty simple matter to get it back up and working again.  In fact, I had to do just that a few years ago on my current system... and Acronis was a lifesaver for me.

 

As I said earlier, the newest version of Acronis is causing some issues on some peoples' computers ... so I am not eager to buy that version.  I did some more research and found a backup software called ShadowProtect Desktop 5 that received an outstanding review and top back up program at PC Magazine   http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2424313,00.asp

 

In fact, a few moments ago I just got done speaking with one of the company's reps (at Stoarage Craft in Utah).  I told him about my system and exactly what I want the product to do (easily and reliably).  He said that will not be a problem for this software.  The only downside is that their Desktop 5 (home user version) is more expensive than most of the other backup software out there (the regular version is primarily used in a small business environment).

 

I will probably purchase and download it once my new computer gets here.....unless.... I hear back from some other people that have better suggestions.

 

Mike

Hi Mike

 

You'll have to let me know if you buy that backup software how it worked out.  You obviously will have your new system before me, so I guess you could be my guinea pig. Will have a look at their website and check out the software.  Can't wait to order this new Jetline system.  Read the review by Mr. Horton some time ago and was impressed.  Currently own an Alienware system that I have been very happy with, but with all the new and complex aircraft coming out by PMDG and hopefully FlightSim Labs, I saw the need to upgrade to a more powerful CPU, memory, Graphics card.  Jetline looks like it will fit the bill nicely.  My only concern, there were a lot of folks with high end systems that appear to be having problems with stutters and poor performance.  Can't say I ever had any of those problems so far, but do keep reading the forums for answers.

 

Regards

Bob Demarest

Birmingham, Al.

Hi Mike

 

You'll have to let me know if you buy that backup software how it worked out.  You obviously will have your new system before me, so I guess you could be my guinea pig. Will have a look at their website and check out the software.  Can't wait to order this new Jetline system.  Read the review by Mr. Horton some time ago and was impressed.  Currently own an Alienware system that I have been very happy with, but with all the new and complex aircraft coming out by PMDG and hopefully FlightSim Labs, I saw the need to upgrade to a more powerful CPU, memory, Graphics card.  Jetline looks like it will fit the bill nicely.  My only concern, there were a lot of folks with high end systems that appear to be having problems with stutters and poor performance.  Can't say I ever had any of those problems so far, but do keep reading the forums for answers.

 

Regards

Bob Demarest

Birmingham, Al.

Will do....

 

Mike

Well, what I do is use a Toshiba external Hard Disk (1 TB) and every quarter (3 months), I back up my FSX payware planes, FSX Scenery and Weather addons, Eaglesoft, Registration entries, and all things related to FSX.  I realize that if I have some catastrophic event I will have to REINSTALL the program.  I just want to have all the stuff I bought safely backed up.

My OUTLOOK email has a RECEIPTS folder where I keep all my payware receipts and download data.  I do a backup of Outlook (pst file) so that on my new computer I can easily re-install Outlook and have my lifeline receipts ready to go.

I back up my DOCUMENTS folder where I store all my serial numbers and passwords for every plane, every addon. 

I've never been really that successful backing up or GHOSTING a hard drive to retain Programs and such.  I've done it with Norton Ghost to some success in the past, but I believe that sometimes it's better to go through the "pain" of a re-install of FSX and just add the purchased addons with some deliberacy and at the same time, NOT install the planes and other things that I rarely use.

Stan

That's one hell of a system! I look forward to hearing how it runs when you get.

You're right, Howard.  I am lucky.  I used to struggle with PC's from Dell and HP and others from the shelf.  There was always a component that didn't cut it.  After I found a company that DEDICATED itself to FSX and put in the right stuff, I was elated.  The last 4 years have been trouble free and FSX has always been a pleasure to fly.  The new system is a testimony to my belief that FSX is going to get better and better...and it will become more demanding with all the wonderful addons that come "machine gun style" at us simmers every week or so.  I want to be part of it, and I want to really enjoy it and NOT TWEAK IT constantly.  The Jetline system allows me to do that.  I'm too busy all day at work and with my family to spend an inordinate amount of time on a hobby that I should be able to work with and with very minimal effort.

 

Stan

Stan, congratulations.  You have quite an elegant solution.  Most of what you have is top shelf stuff, but a 1TB SSD drive?  I really didn't know they even existed.  I'm happy you have the resources to have Jetline do the build for you...if I had the resources, I'd do the same thing.

 

I'm trying to do a slightly different build, but the difference is that I will build the box myself, then have someone who is an FSX expert assist me with the "tweaking".  Of course, even that solution is over $2K, so I'm trying to raise the money to build the box...because there are decisions I will have to make with respect to where to invest in software (Prepar3D or X-Plane).  Once I make that decision, then I'll build the box.

 

For you, my best wishes for hours of flying on your new rig. Please do tell us how you get on with it.

 

Cheers,
David L. Lamb

Well, what I do is use a Toshiba external Hard Disk (1 TB) and every quarter (3 months), I back up my FSX payware planes, FSX Scenery and Weather addons, Eaglesoft, Registration entries, and all things related to FSX. I realize that if I have some catastrophic event I will have to REINSTALL the program. I just want to have all the stuff I bought safely backed up.

My OUTLOOK email has a RECEIPTS folder where I keep all my payware receipts and download data. I do a backup of Outlook (pst file) so that on my new computer I can easily re-install Outlook and have my lifeline receipts ready to go.

I back up my DOCUMENTS folder where I store all my serial numbers and passwords for every plane, every addon.

I've never been really that successful backing up or GHOSTING a hard drive to retain Programs and such. I've done it with Norton Ghost to some success in the past, but I believe that sometimes it's better to go through the "pain" of a re-install of FSX and just add the purchased addons with some deliberacy and at the same time, NOT install the planes and other things that I rarely use.

Stan

This is about what I do but I love the suggestion about creating a folder in your inbox for purchase. Most addons you can redownload (take Flight1 for example) but some like PMDG you have to make a backup on you down otherwise they charge you after a certain timeframe.

 

I also use a Word document password protected that has l my serials and order info - kept on a separate drive. The one thing I don't do is back that up in case of fire. I guess I just don't care about the material stuff. I do backup my pictures to separate externals (one I store away from home in case of fire).

Very nicely configured system Stan.  I just upgraded my system too and it looks like we made similar choices. I have my new system configuration in "My PC" profile.  I purchased mine from Digital Storm and am very happy with it but I've heard nothing but good things about jetline. 

 

Here's a link to the Digital Storm configuration options if you want to price compare a similar rig:

 

http://www.digitalst...d.asp?id=676461

 

I no longer see the need for add-in sound cards and have been perfectly happy with on-board codecs for the last three systems I've had.  Good luck with your new system.  I am sure you will be very happy. :smile:

Thanks, Jeff.

 

Sounds like you have a great system too.  How's it handling FSX?  Tell me more about your performance, or anything else you'd like to mention.  Love to hear it.

 

Stan

I am very happy with how FSX runs.  I am using Steve's DX10 fixer.  I have frames locked @ 30 and it is very, very, smooth.  I run a lot of scenery and complex aircraft addons and I am delighted with this rig.  The story of my upgrade is here with some pics:

 

http://forum.avsim.net/topic/432439-jeffs-pc-meltdown/#entry2908067