<p>I do not trust the automatic backup programs and backup manually. With photo files this is really very easy since I store by date and can easily see the date range that needs to be backed up. If you are dealing with a lot of files without a convenient way to determine the new files, then you may have to trust the backup software. If you are using a drive for archival storage, I think it is safest to leave that drive unplugged when not in use. It is also best to store it in a firebox or offsite location. I am not sure why you would want to use the archival drive for a working drive. That way you still have no separate backup. I am using 2 storage drives. When I want to access stored files, then it is really quick to start up one of the drives. I would then transfer those files to my computer HD and then turn off the storage drive.</p>