Could somebody please advise me on the best way to back up a project.  I like the idea of storing everything in the project (audio and MIDI data, settings, etc) into one file in the event that I would have a PC or hard drive disaster and have to replace/rebuild the HDD I wouldn't lose anything in my projects.  The manual explanation of CWP and CWB files are a bit vague, and what is stored in a Normal file?  Good advise would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks!
 
John B

When I finish working on a project, I use synctoy by microsoft to compare my x:\Cakewalk Projects to a backup folder and it keeps them in sync so I always have a backup copy of all my projects.
This is in addition to my normal backup routine using Acronis...

Just do a file save as to a different drive (internal or external, both is not a bad idea)
I keep a folder that has all presets for any effects, VSTi, etc. as well.
You'll have to move this folder manually to the backup drive.
In Sonar use the VST2 drop down to save your presets.

That lets you save the preset wherever you want.
A "presets" folder in the project folder as I said above.

Project folder looks like this.
You can copy the project folder (here it would be "Massa") to any drive you like;
but I tend to do a "save as", then copy the "Presets" folder over.
Be sure to tick the "copy all audio with project" in the "save as" dialog.
That's how I roll anyway.
 
Tom

I just copy my "projects" folder to my external drive from time to time.

It's really as simple as go to preferences and set all the file paths needed to a DATA drive on the computer. If it's a one drive computer then at least make a partition. 
When You change computers either move the drive ( what I do) or Clone it to a fresh drive and move it. 
As well all those folders should be stored on an external drive too. I keep up to 6 copies of any given project. 

In addition to backing up projects, here's another take on backing up that's designed to create future-proof/platform independent backups of project audio.

Thanks for that Craig!
I guess I need to pay a little closer attention "tip of the week"!
 
T

And to add my tip of the week, Always do a "save As" to a midi file type 1. Theres more than likely software 20 years from now that will still open a midi file. My Atari MIDI files are 30 years old this year and they still open. 

I use Crashplan. The first sync took days, but now I run it once a week or so ... over night usually.

I have a local copy on a separate as disk well as a cloud copy (that's what took days) in case I lose everything. It's surprisingly inexpensive.

In addition to a backup of my project data I keep an image of my system disk using Acronis. I haven't had to resort to it but it should keep me from having to start from scratch. I'd hate to have to reinstall ever plugin I've ever purchased.

My day job is systems administration so I'm a little paranoid.

Thanks all for the Backup Tips and a special HI to Craig Anderton.  I've been following your publications on home recording for years, Sir.  It's a particular honor to have you address my situation.
 
I should have pointed out that what I'm really trying to accomplish is with this is the best way to back up projects to my external hard drive for storage.  Like many of you, I also do two backups of my projects.  One on an external Seagate drive and on DVD-RWs  I keep them on my system for easy access but back them up on the above two methods in case of HDD or system failure.  I was wondering what is the best way to back up on the external methods.  I would think the Bundle would be the best, but many of you have more experience with Sonar than me, so I value your opinions.
 
Thanks again
 
John B.