[JohnVL]

I would hate to list the problems I've had with my G5, but let's just say it's going to have to go into the repair shop for the 3rd time in 6 months.
I have a back-up drive and want to back up the whole system so that if I ever get left with a new computer, I have everything.
Since I have the Panther Update CD which, from what I understand, will not do a complete re-install on a clean hard drive, I would like to have a full back up of everything, all of my upgrades, etc. Since I have a dial-up line, if I had to redownload all of the OS updates it would take days.
Here are my options:
1) Use Carbon Copy cloner and create the back-up of each file and folder on the back up hard drive
2) Use Carbon Copy Cloner and make a disk image on my back up drive
3) Use Dantz Retrospect Express and do the whole volume (it usually tells me there were errors on a small number of files so I wouldn't probably get the whole thing).
4) Use Apple's BackUp 2.0 from .Mac
Which would you use? Also, if I used #2 the disk image, if I had a problem would I just drag the image to the new hard drive and then open the image?
Thanks. I think I'm living on borrowed time.
John VL

[Grant_G]

The one option you didn't propose is the best one: Use Carbon Copy Cloner to clone your entire hard drive onto the backup drive. Then incrementally update it as necessary by selecting Synchronization Options in its Preferences. It will download a small script called psynch and go from there. CCC isn't as limited as you appear to believe, and will definitely create a bootable clone of the entire contents of the drive.
G

[JohnVL]

Thank you for your advice. I'll use that method. Also, I need to send in a donation for that software--I'll give you all my word I'll do it in the next 24 hours.
John

[Grant_G]

Yep, we've gotta keep Mike Bombich happy for all the good works he does.
G /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif