How to Backup CCTV Footage to USB/External Hard Drive

Having a backup of CCTV footage will help you be secured in various legal and other actions. It is good to learn how to backup CCTV footage to USB/external hard drive for better outcomes. In this blog, we will share the steps that you have to follow to store your CCTV videos somewhere else. 

Download this free backup software and use it to back up your CCTV footage quickly and safely.

Why is it necessary to backup CCTV footage to an external drive?

Mostly, people think that backing up CCTV footage will only increase its safety. However, it offers multiple benefits that are mentioned below. By reading them, you will be sure why you should learn how to backup CCTV footage to external drive. 

• 1️⃣Your DVR may have limited storage making it hard to store older footage or the newer one. It is important to backup the footage to an external drive and create space for the newer one in your DVR. 
• 2️⃣You can quickly access the footage stored on an external drive or USB instead of a DVR. Moreover, you can also share it with others as these devices are portable. 
• 3️⃣It might be possible that you want to create space on your DVR or your CCTV camera’s storage. In this regard, the best approach is to backup data to a USB drive. 
• 4️⃣It will help you keep your data stored safely even when the DVR system is facing a technical problem.
• 5️⃣You can quickly recover CCTV footage from a USB or hard drive without experiencing any complications. 

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Way 1. Transfer recordings from DVR to USB directly

Many users prefer to store their CCTV footage on a USB flash drive. The reason is they want to make it accessible to everyone in their department. However, it is the simplest approach, too, which makes it more useful for everyone. 

Some of those required accessories are:

After getting all of these products, you should follow the steps shared below. 

Step 1. Connect the S-video cable with the DVR output port and input port of the digital transfer box.

Step 2. Plug the audio cable into the same devices if you want to transfer the audio, too.

Step 3. Now, connect the digital transfer box to your laptop via a USB port.

Step 4. Insert the installer and install the digital transfer program (this step is only valid when you are doing this for the first time).

Step 5. Launch the transfer program and open the "Video" screen.

Step 6. Tap the "S-video" checkbox and then click on the "Next" button.

Step 7. Adjust the "Audio" settings and then "Name" your file.

Step 8. Turn on the "DVR" and use the "Media" button from the remote to get started.

Step 9. Use the "Play" button to start the recording on the DVR and instantly tap the "Record" button once it starts playing the footage.

Step 10. Once it is completed, tap the "Stop" button and then the "Next" button to go ahead.

Step 11. Click on the "Save" button to save that footage to your laptop.

Step 12. Attach the USB drive to your laptop and transfer that footage. 

Be careful, as you have to follow these steps in the same pattern to complete the transfer of your selected footage from the DVR to an external drive or USB. 

Way 2. Backup CCTV Recordings to USB Quickly and Safely with a Freeware

No doubt, many people think that learning how to backup CCTV footage to USB will make them familiar with the best approach. However, this method has some limitations, too, like time consumption, data loss, and corrupted files. Using it, you'll create a 1-to-1 copy of recordings, requiring much storage space if there are many recordings. In addition, the process may takes much time and you need to wait patiently.

In this regard, if you want to save time and storage space, the best solution is to choose a freeware program like EaseUS Todo Backup Free. It is an effective software to back up your data, including CCTV footage. You can easily backup the entire disk or computer using this software. 

It has advanced features like incremental backup which will help you be safe even if any of the database of the software gets corrupted or malware affected. Similarly, you can save a lot of space using its cloud-based storage facility. With this tool, it will quickly create a backup within several seconds.

In simple words, it will keep your CCTV footage safe as well as allow you to save space from the computer. Last but not least, it also has a feature of automatic backup. Whether you are looking for CCTV footage backup or other content backup, it will help you schedule the backups and keep storing the files in its cloud storage. 

Now, download this robust free backup tool on your Windows computer to back up CCTV footage quickly and safely. Remember to connect your CCTV and USB to computer or laptop. 

Step 1. To initiate a backup, click the Select backup contents option.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories, File, Disk, OS, and Mail, click File.

Step 3. On the left, both local and network files will be shown. You may extend the directory to pick the backup files.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose a location to store the backup.

Click Options to encrypt the backup with a password in Backup Options, then click Backup Scheme to specify the backup schedule and start the backup at a certain event. There are also other additional choices you may choose to tailor the backup process to your requirements.

Step 5. The backup may be stored on a local disk, EaseUS' online service, or NAS.

Step 6. EaseUS Todo Backup enables customers to back up data to a third-party cloud drive as well as its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a cloud drive provided by a third party, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, and then add and log in to your account.

You can also choose the EaseUS cloud drive. Sign up for an EaseUS Account, then click EaseUS Cloud and log in.

Step 7. Click Backup Now to begin the backup process. The backup job will be presented as a card on the left side of the panel after it has been finished. Right-click the backup job to handle it further.

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The Final Words

By reading this blog about how to back up CCTV footage to a USB or external drive, you must have an idea about the method to follow. We have discussed all the steps in a proper way to let you comfortably transfer footage.

However, we recommend using EaseUS Todo Backup for extra safety. It will help you be in comfort and have peace of mind while using this freeware. Moreover, its compressed storage makes it perfect for storing multiple files without taking much space from its cloud storage. 

FAQs about CCTV Footage Backup

1. How to transfer recordings from your DVR to a USB memory stick?

You can transfer recordings from a DVR to a USB drive by understanding and using these simple steps. 

• Turn on your device and explore the section where you have stored the files.
• Connect your USB to your system.
• Select the file you want to transfer.
• Right-click on the file and send it to your USB drive.

2. How do I download a video directly to a USB?

You can’t download a video directly to your USB. However, you can send the downloaded videos from your computer or laptop to USB. 

3. Do CCTV cameras have a backup?

Yes, the modern versions of CCTV cameras have built-in storage memory. However, the storage capacity is extremely low, which makes it compulsory to have additional storage or backup software for safety.