WD Elements need backup solution

[brobson]

I want an online solution since both my Passport and Elements are starting to show signs of failure. I run through these for some reason, they are only 1 1/2 yrs old.

They are not ejecting totally, shows them grayed out even after ejecting. I log out and restart but getting pretty tired of backup problems in my life. What is the best online backup?

My 2015 MBP is on Catalina b/c the battery is failing and I just decided to wait until i get a new mac someday. I keep it plugged in.

BTW just ran a DriveDX and both drives are fine. My MBP's SSD life is only 9%. The rest is good, anything I can do about that?

 

[rm5]

NOTE (12:30 PM MDT) - This post has been edited to fix mistakes. Please refresh the page if you have already read this

So it's really your Passport, Elements, and the MBP SSD that are failing. Three things you can, and should do:

1. See how much data you can throw on cloud services like Google Drive, etc. Small files (documents, small audio files, etc.) could go here.
2. There is no real and effective way to back up the MBP SSD to the cloud unless you want to pay $1000s per year, so get a cheap server and put ALL data on the failing drives onto that. You don't need to go crazy like me and spend $500 on a 24 TB (raw storage) NAS, just build a 1 or 2 TB, unless you absolutely need more than that.
3. Replace the MBP SSD with a new one (you'll also need an adapter that goes from NVMe to the proprietary Apple connector).

Adding to point #2, why should you buy a server? Because they're RELIABLE and FAST! I built a 19 TB effective server (due to redundancy) out of a Dell Poweredge with this configuration:

• "Working pool" where all the main data is - 8x 2 TB, but 2 TB lost due to RAID-Z (equivalent to RAID 5) so 14 TB effective.
• "Backup pool" that I set to use the Time Machine protocol to back up all my Macs - 1x 1 TB and 1x 2 TB, but only 1 TB of effective storage due to mirroring (1 TB of lost storage)

All in all, the build cost just shy of $500. I bought all the drives for the "working pool" in refurbished condition, and the "backup pool" I got for free basically, from drives I took out of my 5,1 Mac Pro. If you're going for this option, DO NOT get a prebuilt NAS! Yes, they're easier to set up, but they're twice as expensive as a custom-built NAS like mine with DOUBLE THE STORAGE!

I only use cloud storage for documents and some shared files, because my NAS is so reliable.

 

[brobson]

So the battery needs replacing and Drive DX says this about my SSD in my mbp 2015. Is it worth fixing? I am guessing not. Do I need to hurry to get a new one? Im a teacher and trying to weigh options

 

[rm5]

You actually have THREE, not two things that are failing:

1. The two Western Digital drives (as said in your original post)
2. The battery
3. The SSD

All will need replacing eventually, so why not just implement something right now?

Replacing the SSD is probably going to run you $60-80, depending on the size of the drive. Replacing the battery is $129 I believe, maybe it's more, you'll have to look that up for your particular model.

Also, if you don't think it's worth it, just get a new MacBook.

 

[gilby101]

Your SSD needs to be replaced urgently. Or failing replacement get a decent external sSD as boot disk.

You original question: Arq Backup and a cloud storage service of your choice - I use Backblaze B2 and OneDrive.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Do you have a backup of your internal drive?
If not, you'd better create one -- in a hurry.

I'd recommend using SuperDuper for this purpose.
It's free to download and use (so long as you do only "full" backups, you have to register in order to do "incremental" backups).

I'm wondering what it is you do or use that could cause that amount of "consumption" of the internal SSD in 7 years?

Might be time to start considering a replacement.
If you live in the USA, be aware that Best Buy has a GREAT deal on the 2021 MBP 14" -- 1,599, or 400 off regular price. Costco has it for the same price, too.

 

[brobson]

OP:

Do you have a backup of your internal drive?
If not, you'd better create one -- in a hurry.

I'd recommend using SuperDuper for this purpose.
It's free to download and use (so long as you do only "full" backups, you have to register in order to do "incremental" backups).

I'm wondering what it is you do or use that could cause that amount of "consumption" of the internal SSD in 7 years?

Might be time to start considering a replacement.
If you live in the USA, be aware that Best Buy has a GREAT deal on the 2021 MBP 14" -- 1,599, or 400 off regular price. Costco has it for the same price, too.

Ok I’m finding Super Duper to be confusing. I cannot copy my mbp to my WD Passport, (which seems to be working fine right now at least) without erasing it? Can’t erase it.

I do have the mbp backed up w time machine. That won’t be enough to have everything copied to my new machine?

I’m an art teacher, btw.

 

[Fishrrman]

If you already have a tm backup, that's good enough.

But you need to either start looking for a replacement drive for the MBP you have, or look for a [completely] new MacBook...

 

[brobson]

If you already have a tm backup, that's good enough.

But you need to either start looking for a replacement drive for the MBP you have, or look for a [completely] new MacBook...

OK! Its been so long since I had to think of this. Is the 14" worth it? I'm ok with 13" unless its gonna become phased out down the road (for updates etc) Do I need an M1 or M2? Is Best Buy Geek as good as Applecare? Appreciate the help, gonna buy one somewhere today

 

[brobson]

OK! Its been so long since I had to think of this. Is the 14" worth it? I'm ok with 13" unless its gonna become phased out down the road (for updates etc) Do I need an M1 or M2? Is Best Buy Geek as good as Applecare? Appreciate the help, gonna buy one somewhere today

Nevermind! I took Fishrrman's advice and got the Best Buy deal, thank you to everyone!