Second Backup - Free File Backup for Windows

User Reviews

• Love this program, perfectly named

  BeyOtchDecember 22, 2015

  Pros

  Archives files after they've been deleted. Leaves files in native format (no need to "restore" to get your files back)

  Cons

  Although they say it's supposed to, I've never gotten this program to back up while the computer is logged off (on a server). You have to be logged in.

  Summary

  This is an excellent program to use in addition to your online backup. It will save your ass when someone has deleted something and not realized it until two weeks later. It's actually perfect for running on a server, however, it doesn't run unless you're logged in. Which is totally annoying. It's worth paying for. I put in on my client's computers, if you buy more than 10 licenses, it's $10 for each license.

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• Can't sync deletes so useless

  Kristoffer KasselMay 11, 2015

  Pros

  I guess it's free ... if you never do deletes to your original folders this program could do, but who doesn't?

  Cons

  Sync tool Can't sync deletes so useless Backup tool can only name destination folders backup_0 backup_1 etc.. so useless if you want another name ..

  Summary

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• Bait & Switch Software

  southcoaster100August 10, 2014

  Pros

  Rather easy to set up an automatic backup.

  Cons

  When you try to do backup it refuses to do that backup unless you pay them $39.95. Other software producers - like Avast, AVG, etc - have free software that remains free. Second Backup misleads you and leaves you hanging. My anti-virus had some problems when installing the software, and gave me several warnings.

  Summary

  Best to find some other Backup software provider.

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• Good backup software. Free is Manual backup only

  Lloyd_HayesFebruary 10, 2013

  Pros

  This software does an outstanding job of backing up to any drive. It's will also backup one external drive to another external drive. (Nice feature.) You can stipulate how you want the backup to work. (Only backup from one drive to another, or backup the newest file on any drive.) And how many generations do you want it to save. (Last 3 changes in files, last 2, or whatever.) It also asks if you want the files compressed, and if so, to what level. (The default is No Compression.)

  Cons

  Free version does not support automated backup. (You need the paid version for this.) Will not do a system backup. Limited backup options.

  Summary

  I installed this software yesterday. I then started it when I went to sleep, and saw a report on the backup when I woke up this morning. From what I can tell, it worked almost exactly as I needed it to. Though I wasn't excited about it backing up my Recycle Bin or anti-virus software. All in all, I am satisfied this program.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Feb 10, 2013<p/>I am not aware of any time limit on the software.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Feb 10, 2013<p/>In going to the website, they don't call it "Free" software. They refer to it as "Trial" software. I may want to reduce my rating of this software if that is the case.

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• This Sucks! Free shouldn't have a time limit on backups

  Senior_MomentJanuary 23, 2013

  Pros

  None that I can see.

  Cons

  When a program advertises itself as free, then it should not have a time limit, especially if it is backup software when there is the realistic probablilty that it will be shelved until needed. Then, when you need it, you find out that your time limit expired and the backup is useless unless you purchase the program. This should be illegal in the sense that it is "bait and switch," so someone with a legal background should challenge these shysters. Do not use this "free" program to back up your computer unless you intend to pay full price when you need to actaully restore your system. That is holding your system hostage for a ransom!

  Summary

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• it's not free at all

  setkiJanuary 13, 2013

  Pros

  good soft easy to use

  Cons

  too expensive

  Summary

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• It does what I need.

  dmh777November 23, 2012

  Pros

  Does a good job of backing my files. I can choose which files I want to backup which is a plus for me, unlike other programs that only allow you to choose just the more common places like Documents, Pictures, etc.

  Cons

  When choose to Archive (zip) while backing up it zip's each file independently. I think it would be better if it could zip all files by the folder they are in.

  Summary

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• They're Lying! It's not Free!

  d-c-bOctober 21, 2012

  Pros

  It worked great for more than 6 months.

  Cons

  But it is now reporting that my once "free" edition has expired. My latest backup attempt will run and all seems fine during execution, but then a popup window appears stating that the unlimited-timeframe free edition has expired, that I need to purchase the program, and that my backup was cancelled. When I go and check the actual backup data, it has not been updated.

  Summary

  Second Backup developers are assholes and CNet is allowing them to get away with advertising their software as free when it definitely is not. Forget about using Second Backup and maybe even forget about using CNet all together since both organizations are untrustworthy.

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• Tried many backup and sync programs, this is the best.

  ptjackSeptember 20, 2012

  Pros

  Good backup performance. Nice selection of pre-assigned folders. One way or two way sync. Nice feature.

  Cons

  A bit pricey.

  Summary

  Still a good investment. Does the job and works well with other program's like Dropbox and on remote drives.

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• Would rate zero stars out of five

  yowazupJuly 7, 2011

  Pros

  I didn't use it that long to find any.

  Cons

  Too convoluted to add subfolders. Not very intuitive. I found Backup Maker to be a much better free for personal use product. I also like Backer from Leanware.

  Summary

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