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Backup to External HD takes over 30 hours?

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Most of my backups are NAS to NAS and run fairly quickly.  However, once a year I backup my NAS to an external hard drive ( Western Digital passport with a micro USB to USB A 3.0 connector) to be stored off-site. The backup type is full and it's taking over 30 hours to backup 2.5 TB of data.  Since I only do this once a year it's not too painful but I'm just wondering if 30 hours is normal or if there's a faster connection type?  On the back of my Western Digital NAS EX4100 there are two USB 3.0 Ports but on some of the computers (also on the same network) there are USB C ports that seem to be visible from the Acronis software as a backup destination option.  I'm wondering whether attaching my external hard drive to one of those ports would speed the backup of this annual process or whether the port directly on the back of the NAS is the best I can do?

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Posts: 2
Comments: 1727

Hello, Ed.

2.5TB of data is a considerable amount for a full backup, and it's expected to take longer to back up.

Another reason could be errors on the disk. Bad blocks or physical issues can cause the slow behavior you described.

You can run a CHKDSK and scan the disk: https://kb.acronis.com/content/72322

I also advise you to access the WD tools and check the disk's status.

Additionally, you should check if the cables are in good condition.

Feel free to contact if you have any questions or to raise a ticket with our support https://kb.acronis.com/content/8153

Thanks in advance!

Ed,

Your EX4100 NAS owners manual describes the various uses and configurations available for backup using the device.  I am providing a link to the owners manual Here 

From my brief review of the manuals section - "Backing Up and Retrieving Files - Managing a USB Device and USB Backups - Connecting a USB Drive" and following the document through - "Internal Backups" it appears that you should follow the steps below to backup your NAS to an external USB drive:

  • Attach the ext. disk to one of the USB connectors on the back of the device, either one should work
  • Follow the steps found in section - "Creating a USB Backup" of the manual.

This should achieve your best result.  If speed of job seems to slow I advise that you try a known good USB cable rated for USB 3.0 or above as a solution.  Purchase quality top rated cables for this purchase as cheap off brand ones often do not perform as expected.