======Backup with FreeFileSync===
{{ :user:alan-shea:ffs-compare-review.png?direct&400|}}
Using [[https://freefilesync.org/download.php|FreeFileSync]] for making external backups.  

For basic usage, see the [[https://freefilesync.org/manual.php|FreeFileSync QuickStart]]. 

Short [[https://freefilesync.org/tutorials.php|video tutorials]] are also available, covering the majority of common use cases. 
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  - Plug in external hard drive
  - Open //**FreeFileSync**//
  - Click on first config in left panel((**''8''** in the image)): **''Docs & Email''**
  - Click ''Compare'' 
  - Review Sync selections ((**''10''** in the image))\\ Pay special attention to:((See examples in the top screenshot)) 
    - //Blue arrows//, indicating items to be restored
    - //Trashcans//, indicating items to be deleted
    - //Yellow arrows// showing items that have changed on both sides since last sync
    - If there are unexpected deletes or restores, hover over the center column and select an appropriate action: ignore, copy left, copy right, or delete. 
    - If you click ''Compare'' again, the changes you have made will be reset
  - Click ''Synchronize''
  - Click on next config: **''Pictures & Videos''**
  - Click ''Compare''
  - Review Sync as above
  - Click ''Synchronize''
  - Close //**FreeFileSync**//
  - Eject the External Hard Drive
  - Put hard drive back in fire safe
 
[[https://freefilesync.org/manual.php|{{:user:alan-shea:ffs_main-window.png?nolink&600|}}]]