I recently set up a backup system using three HDDs, and I’m looking for some advice on whether it’s robust enough or if there are better alternatives. Here’s my current setup:
- Home Storage: One HDD stored at home.
- Car Storage: Another HDD stored in my car, protected by a waterproof plastic container and foam to absorb shocks.
- Offsite Storage: The third HDD is kept at my parents’ house and is accessible through SSH on a Raspberry Pi.
I’ve implemented a couple of routines to maintain the health of the disks:
- Regular Checks: I inspect the disks for bad sectors every six months and replace any disk showing signs of issues.
- Replacement Schedule: I replace all HDDs every five years, even though they aren’t used intensively.
Additionally, whenever I add new files, I make sure to update all three drives. However, I’ve been pondering a potential issue with my setup. What if a disk contains a corrupted file, such as a picture, and I’m unaware of it? This could lead to copying corrupted files onto a new disk during the replacement process, ultimately resulting in a growing number of corrupted files without my knowledge.
I’d appreciate your insights on the following:
- Assessment of Current Setup: Do you think my current backup system is robust enough, or are there areas that could be improved?
- Corruption Prevention: How can I ensure that corrupted files are not being unknowingly transferred to new disks during the replacement process?
- Alternative Solutions: Are there better backup solutions or practices that you would recommend?
I want to emphasize that I’m not interested in online storage options. I prefer a physical backup solution. I’m open to any suggestions or tips you may have to enhance the reliability and security of my backup system. Thanks in advance for your help!