Take automatic backups of all computers on network

Question

I have a network of windows machines XP and above. I am planning to do the following. Every computer will have a special folder, let's say 'Backup'.

I want to know if there's a free tool that can automatically take daily backup's of this folder in a central repository.

Answer 1

The Open Source and free BackupPC might be a solution for you:

BackupPC Features

• [..]
• A clever pooling scheme minimizes disk storage and disk I/O. Identical files across multiple backups of the same or different PCs are stored only once resulting in substantial savings in disk storage and disk I/O.
• No client-side software is needed. The standard smb protocol is used to extract backup data on WinXX clients. On linux clients, tar over ssh/rsh/nfs is used to backup the data. With version 2.0.0, rsync is also supported on any client that has rsync or rysncd.
• A powerful web (http/cgi) user interface allows administrators to view log files, configuration, current status and allows users to initiate and cancel backups and browse and restore files from backups.
• A full set of restore options is supported, including direct restore (via smbclient, tar, or rsync/rsyncd) or downloading a zip or tar file.
• [..]

Answer 2

These free backup options should provide you with a suitable program -these three could possibly suit the best-
Bacula - The Open Source Network Backup Solution / FreeByte Backup / Cobian Backup
Also checkout these and others under 'Free Hard Disk Backup and Restore Utilities' http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/backupandimage.shtml

Answer 3

As a very low end solution you may want to consider dropbox. It will sync your "dropbox" folder to the cloud and keeps backups of any changes. You could make one account per PC for the type of solution you described. -OR- Have them share an account and it will sync all the dropbox folders on each machine with the cloud copy.

Answer 4

I do exactly this with syncback (free edition) and cobian backup, plus mozy home (2gb free) for the really important stuff.

Answer 5

In addition to the 3rd party solutions being suggested by others you might also consider using Windows' own Backup utility. Not exactly the world's greatest backup program but at least it's already installed and will cost you nothing extra.