Second Copy for Windows

Used Second Copy for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffMarch 12, 2017

The program provides standard functionality for backing up and synchronizing your data. Like many similar applications, Second Copy is based on profiles that store information about what files to back up, where and when to do so, and so on.

The program can back up 25 versions of the same file, handy for those users who routinely make a lot of changes. All you have to do to create a new profile is modify a similar one. You can group numerous profiles and run backups automatically in the background. For more advanced users, the program offers FTP support, command-line options, and macros.

Its otherwise handy and clear interface would gain from integrating dialog and option windows in the common shell, but what it really lacks is a tree view for profiles. However, Second Copy's functionality and price are adequate for both small-business and home users, especially those comfortable with technology.

What’s new in version 9.0

Version 9.0 is a 64-bit version.

Second Copy for Windows

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: March 12, 2017

Latest update: March 12, 2017

Version: 9.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 8
Windows 2003
Windows 10
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows Server
Windows 7

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 676,451

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.5/5

314 User Votes

Problems with copying and deleting files not on size
jhmac77August 31, 2014
Pros
Most folders are copied correctly but not based on size but date only.
Cons
some drives will not copy due to some "network interference" which is usually drives with "odd named" empty folders or other blocked folders. Large numbers of folders disappear and have to be reentered to be backed up
Summary
Not reliable to copy as is but must keep tract of what is and is not copied.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Sep 18, 2014<p/>zero stars sent this to second copy and ripoff report: PLEASE EXPLAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!! Using windows 8.1 program files/google/crashreports is an empty folder that has no restrictions. This was an unexpected network error. I deleted it and it came back again same problem. I was working on this same drive and a few minutes earlier with no problems. It also removed all entries and left nothing to backup. I put the following back in: TaxACT\*.* TaxACT 2013 Documents\*.* taxes\*.* taxes 06\*.* TAXES 2012\*.* Users\JimandKaren\*.* Vanguard\*.* WPActivation\*.* profiles.dat show in BOLD [S(c)-F4] SetupType=Custom SourceLocation=s:\ DestLocation=F:\Medion Laptop BKUP AllFiles=0 Include1=TaxACT\*.* Include2=TaxACT 2013 Documents\*.* Include3=taxes\*.* Include4=taxes 06\*.* Include5=TAXES 2012\*.* Include6=Users\JimandKaren\*.* Include7=Vanguard\*.* Include8=WPActivation\*.*<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Sep 18, 2014<p/>Second Copy 8.1.2 was give 0 stars at CNet by me. Backup files are being erased without my knowledge. I am getting many network errors without explanation. Second Copy has not updated since the problem about over 1 year. They are getting rave reviews without good reason. They have stopped communicating. Jim jhmac77@bellsouth.net
Great Program
January 31, 2014
Pros
I have used it for over 10 years. Great for what it does.
Cons
None that I have.
Summary
Lost SC8 profiles when computer crashed. Lost all profiles. Setup new profiles. Profile "A" copies files to Drop box. Profile "B" copies files to Network drive. Shuts down computer. How simple is that. I start the Program and walk away. Always does what it is supposed to do. Love It. I also have Acronis, I use it to make an image and sends it to the Network Drive. Both are Great.
Simple, Reliable, easy to use
dougfieldApril 3, 2013
Pros
-Simple, yet very functional interface -Reliable -Set it and forget it
Cons
-none that I know of
Summary
I have been using Second Copy for over 10 years and never had any problems with it other than log entries showing excess characters once in a great while. That problem was fixed by clearing the log & starting fresh. It has been very reliable for backing up my documents, saving older versions in a separate folder in case I need to revisit that version. Other profiles back up Quicken and TurboTax files along with many other important documents. Backups to cloud drives & external drives insure data preservation in case of fire, theft of PC, or just needing some information while on the road with some other laptop, etc.
Great backup utility.
mmlewis7December 23, 2012
Pros
Easy to set up with customization. Easy to use. Easy to automate. Stable. Works across multiple drives, including external drives and network
Cons
None of importance.
Summary
I have used this program for years through many updates. It has been my favorite program for all of my backups.
Useless - Use at your peril!
TeddywixAugust 10, 2012
Pros
None - if it were a dog I'd shoot it
Cons
Wiped the source drive of data then replicated the deletion on the back up drive.
Summary
Waste of money and effort. Don't use on anything mission critical, lost more data using this than if somebody had stolen my hard drive. Shocking!
Dcent software for the price
rstranNovember 3, 2011
Pros
Surprisingly flexable backups
Cons
Tends to choke on hundreds of thousands of files. If you have that many, it will need lots of memory and and time
Summary
Terrific end user backup made simple
Version 8 prone to wiping out everything being sync-ed
dubik99October 30, 2011
Pros
Used to be a very good reliable product which I've used since 2003. Easy to use.
Cons
Version 8 is prone to deleting ALL files in the Source folder and then wiping out Destination during Sync operation. Killer for a sync application. Do not use.
Summary
At some point I noticed SecondCopy 8 taking unusually long time to sync my two computers. Turns out it was wiping out my Documents folder on the Destination computer. On the subsequent sync it would've wiped out the Source. I contacted the company. Remarkably they knew that this could happen starting with a Destination folder if you mount it a mapped drive (the usual way). But my case turned out to be different. For some reason SC8 thinks my Source folder is empty, even though it's not and proceeds to make the Destination empty. Support at Second Copy said "That is very strange. Please send us the "profiles.dat" and "log.rtf" files for analysis." I did. Have not heard back from them for more than a week. Pinged them a few days ago. Nothing. I think they are having a major problem. Stay away from Second Copy until they solve this.
Easy Backup Tool
klwillitsOctober 23, 2011
Pros
Multiple Profiles Somewhat Easy to Use Easy scheduling of backup
Cons
I can't think of anything.
Summary
I have been using this software for over 20 years. I have tried many different backup programs, but have always depended on Second Copy. Unlike some software companies that use the users to test their software, Second Copy is always well tested. Plus I wish to add that their support is great. Best overall backup software and fairly easy to use. Set it and forget it. When you need it, your backup will be there.
V8.0.5.3 Problematic
creekchubOctober 6, 2011
Pros
Easy to install, intuitive interface for creating/monitoring profiles
Cons
V8.0.5.3 buggy on my W2K8 server - despite the best efforts of SecondCopy support, cannot keep GUI alive for more than a day at a time. Weak open file support, and FTP component doesn't detect changed files (all files, select files, or nothing).
Summary
Will probably roll back to previous version or look elsewhere - average product for the money.
Excellent for backup
mmlewis7September 8, 2011
Pros
Fast, customized scheduling, content, target locations, etc.
Cons
none encountered of significance to me
Summary
I've used second copy for several years, through several updates, and have found it to be the best I've used for backups. It allows me to customize my backups, creating different profiles for different files, directories, to different target computers or drives, etc. It archives several backups according to my preferences for # and location. It provides a wonderful sense of security regarding important files and materials which represent a huge number of hours of work over time.

Developer’s Description

By Centered Systems

Make automatic backups, compression, encryption, synchronization of files in background.