How to compare backups?

Here's a couple of ideas, John-Paul:

1) For file management chores, I use Total Commander as a replacement for Win Explorer. It uses a dual-pane interface, allowing 2 directories to display at once. You could mount both backups and display one in each pane; then use TC's internal compare function to show all files which exist on backup #1 (old backup), but NOT #2 (new backup) - these will be the deleted files between the two.

2) CDCheck can compare 2 dirs (with subs), resulting in a similar display.

Search for these progs on the web.

3) I always use a disk cataloging program before a full backup. A comparison of catalogs would indicate the same. Google "disk catalog" or "file catalog" & "programs" for these.

There are plenty of other open-source and free programs which can perform these duties. TC is fully functional without registration, though I registered it because I use it ALL the time! It's the very FIRST program I install after a rebuild. CDCheck is also free.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

BigEd

A possible alternative that requires no pre-cataloging would be to mount the backups as drives and use something like the BeyondCompare utility (http://www.scootersoftware.com/ ). It's not free, but can handle automated comparisons right down to the binary level. Again, there are probably some freeware options for that too.