LaCie Silverkeeper backup question

[Highmac]

I know from a search there are a few users on here.....

Just got a 1TB d2 Quadra EHD to go with the G5 iMac (connecting by Firewire 400);
Using the Silverkeeper V2 Setup Assistant for backup, but it seems to want to format the new drive before I can choose it as the target destination. I've already started using the disc for storage (though there's only 15GB on it), so obviously don't want to do that if it can be avoided. However, looking through the help files it appears formatting and partitioning may be unavoidable, unless you good folks know better

TIA
Edit to add: To clarify, I want it to be a bootable backup.

[sandbox]

highmac, I'm an advocate of Silverkeeper, it works well on every drive i have.

let me get this straight.....
You have already formatted the drive and loaded 15GB on it? Is it bootable? Are you adding something from the same source? Are you using the same SET?

[Highmac]

Thanks SB - after my post I started probing the Apple help files (I'd been relying on LaCie's which I didn't find quite so helpful to the technically naive) and a phrase with the words "stick" and "wrong end" came to mind....  

No, I hadn't formatted it - just started loading stuff on. The Apple files helped me sort out the difference between volume and drive and the light came on in my brain. Previously I've just backed up by copying important stuff to an external drive. With the G5 getting a bit long in the tooth, decided to (finally!) do the job properly. Fortunately I had space to move the contents back out, so it is now empty again.

If I've now got it right, what I should do is format the Quadra, creating a 250GB bootable partition for the backup. The rest of the drive is then available for general use and I can use Silverkeeper properly....

Hopefully you can help me with another query; I found a site with transfer rates, and it appeared it would take about 1hr 15min to transfer around 200GB over Firewire 400 - does that sound about right? I would have expected it to take a lot longer. But maths was never my strong point

In case this helps: The Mac has never been set up for multiple users - there's only the two of us and mostly it's me that uses it.

TIA

[sandbox]

200 gigs may take a bit longer but your in the ball park. On a 400 firewire it's like 2.5-3 gigs a minute for me.

The key to Silverkeeper is to make sure your using the right Set when backing up. When I open up the application I have 12 sets to choose from, depending on which drive and partition I'm using. At times it may give you a pop-up that will say that a clean drive is required, but if your in the correct set...just go ahead an back it up. I have tried every backup program available, I even spent many dollars on Retrospect, but in the end nothing has been as reliable as Silverkeeper. I have learned much from just watching the files in transfer, seeing them move gives you a helpful perspective.

[Highmac]

Nearer three hours

However, I now feel a lot happier knowing I've got a proper backup. Thanks for your help, SB.

[Highmac]

Update: Just started up from the backup disc without problems, although iMac's fans kicked in and ran until the desktop appeared. Helpfully the backup disc icon appears in the top right corner and the iMac's own is to the left of it, so you know which disc you're using! Then did a proper restart so I don't mess up the backup...  

I know this is run-of-the-mill for most of you, but I do feel I've achieved something today

[tacit]

QUOTE(Highmac @ Mar 23 2009, 07:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No, I hadn't formatted it - just started loading stuff on. The Apple files helped me sort out the difference between volume and drive and the light came on in my brain. Previously I've just backed up by copying important stuff to an external drive. With the G5 getting a bit long in the tooth, decided to (finally!) do the job properly. Fortunately I had space to move the contents back out, so it is now empty again.

Yep, that's the problem.

When you bought the drive, it was already formatted for Microsoft Windows. You can use a Microsoft Windows formatted drive to store files, though it can be risky; but you can not boot from a Windows-formatted disk. That's why Silverkeeper was telling you to reformat.

[krissel]

Neil, you might want to rename the backup to avoid future identity problems.  

[Highmac]

It's actually called "G5 BACKUP ONLY". If I could have done it, it would be in bold italics too

I'll have a look later for a 'No Entry' icon to replace the generic HD one....