DescentBB

I’m using my Media Center PC to backup my main work PC. But the thing is, the drive I’m backing up to is a USB external drive, and I can’t for the life of me get the damn thing to keep the share.

I have been doing some research on the issue, and mapping the folder as a network drive seems to be the way to go.

Is this correct? Will mapping the drive force it to keep the share after shut down or sleep?

Is there a better way?

If you can con windows into thinking it isn't a removable drive...

Probably the best way to go is to simply not use a USB drive for it, side benefits of internal drives usually have a better chance of lasting simply because they don't take anywhere near the same physical abuse that a USB external can and cost/GB is lower.

Internal drive = not an option.

NAS = not an option.

I don’t understand why it comes and goes, today I can see the shared folders, yesterday I couldn’t.

which OS?

Win 7 Pro SP1

the problem is windows has no unique way of identifying USB devices... because lots of USB devices don't even bother with uniquely identifying themselves(either excluding such or just doing it wrong).

The actual problem is your external enclosure is on its way out. Data is probably fine tho.

There is nothing wrong with the drive or the enclosure.

After doing my searches it’s quite obvious that this is a common problem, that has nothing to do with failing drives or enclosures.

I just wanted to know if mapping the drive is the proper solution, so it’s obvious that you guys can’t answer that…no problem, I’ll just have to try and see what happens.