Since many users have multiple PCs, it is important to protect key files on all of their computers. Seagate recognizes this need and offers flexible solutions to users by allowing them to protect multiple PCs with their backup drives.
Any external drive can backup as many computers as there is space on the external drive, through any number of ways. See Document ID: 206419 for information on how to store data on hard drives without the use of special software.
Many Seagate external and network drives include bundled backup software. However, to keep the initial cost of the drive down, it may be necessary to purchase additional licenses in some cases. See the chart below for details.
The ability to backup multiple PCs using a bundled software depends mostly on the software licensing for the backup software and the operating systems of the PCs. Also, keep in mind that significant capacity may be needed to store all the files from the various computers, so be sure to purchase a drive large enough to handle your needs. A network solution such as the Seagate GoFlex Home or BlackArmor NAS 400 Series would be a better solution if you need to back up a large number of computers.
| Drive and software | Can it backup multiple PCs? | Notes |
| FreeAgent GoFlex, GoFlex Desk, and GoFlex Pro | Yes, after purchasing additional licenses | Each drive includes one license for the Memeo backup software. To purchase additional licenses, see: |
| FreeAgent Goflex Home | Yes, up to 3 PC and Mac computers |
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| Seagate Replica | Yes | The Replica is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, and XP, 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The different computers backed up are distinguished by different system names in the Replica. |
| FreeAgent with Seagate Manager Software | Yes | As long as the PCs are all Windows XP / Vista / 7 based and have unique computer names, the software allows backing up multiple PCs. The files are stored in separate directories. Each directory's name is named after each computer's name. |
| FreeAgent Pro with Autobackup | Yes, after purchasing additional licenses | The FreeAgent Pro drive came bundled with Memeo Autobackup which requires a separate license for each PC being backed up. Each separate backup set is stored in a separate folder based on the backup set name. Note: Additional licenses can be acquired here. |
| FreeAgent Desktop with Seagate manager Software | Yes | As long as the PCs are all Windows XP / Vista / 7 based and have unique computer names, the software allows backing up multiple PCs. The files are stored in separate directories. Each directory's name is named after each computer's name. |
| OneTouch 4 with Maxtor Manager software | Yes | As long as the PCs are all Windows XP Vista / 7 based and have unique computer names, the software allows backing up multiple PCs. The files are stored in separate directories. Each directory's name is named after each computer's name. |
| Seagate BlackArmor 400 Series | Yes | This device is designed to backup multiple systems via the network. It comes with 10 client licenses for the backup software and can be expanded to support up to 50 client PCs. Note: Client licenses are only needed for backup software; file sharing does not require a separate license per PC. Additional licenses can be purchased at the BlackArmor product page. |
