FileVault - easy way to backup?

[Felix_the_Mac]

Can I backup my home folder by:

i) turning on filevault
ii) log in as root
iii) copy home folder imgage to backup device?

Would I have any problems if I attempted to restore this after a re-install for example?

Currently I occasionally make a disk image of my home folder and backup that up. But it takes a long time to create.

[seamuskrat]

I use Filevault on my laptop and I use Apple Backup to backup the home folder to another disk. This works fine.

If you do not have .Mac, MAYBE retrospect would work for this.

Why do you need Filevault? Its overkill for most. I use it in case I loose my laptop traveling.

Can I backup my home folder by:

i) turning on filevault
ii) log in as root
iii) copy home folder imgage to backup device?

Would I have any problems if I attempted to restore this after a re-install for example?

Currently I occasionally make a disk image of my home folder and backup that up. But it takes a long time to create.

[Felix_the_Mac]

My thinking was that FileVault is based upon having a disk image of your home folder. Therefore (when you are logged in as another user) you can just backup that disk image.

This is a more foolproof method than backuping up the folder file by file because, for example, some hidden files may not be transfered that way etc.

Also transfering 1 big file acroos the network is quicker than 40,000 small ones.

BTW, my machine is a laptop as well but I do not have any info on it which is of interest to others. (I do use it for my business but still not trade secret stuff!)