Clickfree USB backup drive

The Clickfree unit is a pocket-sized USB hard drive that measures about 11.8cm by 7.7cm by 1.7cm and weights just 159 grams. It’s entirely powered by the USB port, though you can use an external power source (not included) if your USB port won’t power the drive. The supplied USB lead also has a second USB connector for extra power from a second USB port on your computer.

It arrives in a box together with Quick Start guide for Windows XP/2000 and Vista users, a troubleshooting guide and a list of websites for further information if needed. Apple Macs are not supported.

We reviewed a 160GB unit, in silver, although it is also available in 120GB and 250GB (there are bigger ones now – press release last month?) as well as some stylish new colours; dark cherry red, twilight blue and pearl.

Like many people I have been out of the habit of backing-up my computer on a regular basis so I was delighted to be able to try what is sold as a very easy system. You just plug the Clickfree into a USB port on your computer. The unit starts up automatically and runs on its own. In some cases, I was one of them, the Autoplay window appears. All I had to do was tick the ‘Always do this for software and games’ box and click on ‘start Clickfree Backup’. I only had to do this once.

The first time you run the drive it backs up the whole computer. I have a laptop with only 9.43 GB free of 106GB so there was a lot to back up.

The first time you run the drive it backs up the whole computer. I have a laptop with only 9.43 GB free of 106GB so there was a lot to back up.

The first time it took about two and a half hours. Subsequent times it took approximately twenty minutes.

I was a little concerned that I might not be able to use my computer while it was being backed up, but this is not the case. Although it did run a little slow I was able to use all programs on my machine, including the internet and listening to online radio.

Each time you connect the drive, it starts by checking for changed and new files. Only these will be backed up, so saving time. The following appears in the screen to indicate that new and changed files are about to be backed up:

Files in Use
You are almost done. Some files were in use during backup
ClickFree Backup will now copy these files
Click OK and when the User Access Control window appears, click on Continue to complete the backup.

At this stage it is harder to use the computer and I would recommend not using it – make a cup of tea or open the post instead as it only takes approximately three minutes.

The Backup is then complete and you are presented with a summary showing all the files that have been backed up. You can browse and search files and view photos on the Clickfree drive.

There is also an Options button, which allows you Manage Setting and PCs, Restore, Update Software and technical support.

The device can then be unplugged and the window closes by itself.

Although it is not exactly ‘Click free’ it is very quick and easy to use and I feel happy to continue to use it to keep my files safe.

Check the latest price or purchase options for the Clickfree USB backup hard drive via
Amazon Germany is currently the only European Amazon outlet that supplies electronic goods like cameras, printers and scanners priced in Euros.
Each Amazon outlet can ship to most countries in the world.

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