Can I use an online backup service to move to a new computer?

Posted by kent on October 6th, 2009

The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.

Q: I was considering Carbonite after reading your comparison of backup software and services. I am contemplating getting a new computer to replace my dell dim 5150 and thought Carbonite could be a good way to make the transition. but not having purchased it yet, I do not know the details. I do note it is not marketed that way. Good idea or bad?

A: In a sense, using an online backup service to move to a new computer would be just like restoring your files onto a new machine after a hard drive crash. We applaud your ingenuity. It's not a bad idea, but as with any work-around process, there are some things to keep in mind:

1) You will need to do some manual configuring of the backup process. By default Carbonite does not back up everything. For instance, it does not back up video files or any files over 4GB in size. You'll need to go through the backup preferences to make sure every file type is covered.

2) While you can have Carbonite back up your program files, it's best to install these fresh. Make sure you have access to the original installation discs or that you still have the original install files on your PC (and that you've instructed Carbonite to back them up).

3) It will take a lot longer. A full online system restore can take a day or longer, and that doesn't count the original backup which will take just as long. There are many reasons for this, including the encryption used by your online backup service provider (it has to encrypt the data before leaving one computer and decrypt it for the new computer). Last time I upgraded to a new computer, I used a firewire cable to transfer the data from a Powerbook to an iMac and it took less than two hours. Speeds using other cables will vary, but there's no way online backup can match a direct connection.

So, while it's certainly possible, it's an investment of time and effort. Online backup services are meant to keep all your important data safe, and (in most cases) to give you mobile access to that data. If your hard drive crashes, or is stolen, you probably won't care if it takes a whole day to restore your data. But, if you're anything like me, when you get a new computer even two hours is too long to wait. In which case you might want to try something like LapLink's PCmover (though we have not yet had the opportunity to try it out).