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I've got >40,000 photos that I need to backup.

I'd like a program that I can point at the directory and then just chuck in the DVDs when it asks.

Photos must be explorer accessible on the DVDs - no compression etc.
I don't want to have to use the program to retrieve the photos.

Don't need it to preserve folder structure, I just need the photos on DVD.

Any recommendations?

More googling (this time using photo backup or archive terms) came up with http://www.rawworkflow.com/products/arc ... index.html

Seems to suit exactly what I need. There is a 15 day unrestricted trial too, so I'll give it a whirl.

Nick,

Basically any backup software will do this for you. It does not need to be specific for photographs.

I use Nero BackItUp and it works well. It may not be idea for what you want as the last file on each disc tends to be split onto the next disc which means you couldn't access that file directly without doing a restore. All the other files are directly readable off the discs.

Nero Express would allow you to copy the files directly, but you'd have to choose which files to put on which disc.

It should be noted that DVDs (and CDs for that matter) are not indestructible and are not recommended as your only form of backup. If they are going to be your only backup, you should make several copies and also check them from time to time with something like CDCheck. Additionally, DVD+R are meant to be better than DVD-R and you should consider buying the very best discs to ensure reliability.

ATJ,

I looked at general backup software and the ones I tried didn't quite suit my needs/wants. Lots don't store the files as plain accessible files on the discs.

This program is great because I just pointed it at my Photos directory, chose a few options (whether or not to split folders, generate a html photo index etc) and it generated a list of dvds to burn. All I have to do is swap the discs when prompted.

Yep, well aware DVDs are pretty crap in terms of longevity. That's why I'm doing a full backup from HDD again. Have most of my photos backed up on old DVDs, but they do degrade.

I'm using TY discs, which are supposed to be the best. Could only get hold of -R unfortunately but such is life.

I run a RAID1 array to deal with drive failure, and have a copy of the files on another computer, that is synced when that computer is turned on (I'm aware these are not backups, if I delete a file it's gone from all the HDDs, but it is good protection against hardware failure or theft).

PCX has TY +R discs at what looks like a pretty good price. I was going to order some but picked up some Verbatim +R (not as good but meant to be the best of the rest) at a very good price.

I get mine from JPL Displays
DVD+R: http://www.jpldisplays.com.au/catalog/i ... Path=23_24
DVD-R: http://www.jpldisplays.com.au/catalog/i ... Path=23_25

I use the OEM ones.