Backups from HDD to external HDD are OK --  that is to say better than nothing. 

OTOH, backups from HDD to CD or DVD have the advantage that none of the
files can be deleted. 

IMO, the best would be to backup from HDD to CD (or DVD) and then make a
second CD (or DVD).  It doesn't hurt to use the DOS command "FC" (that
stands for File Compare) to be sure that the backup is readable on both
CD copies. 

... of course, you'll store those 2 copies at 2 different locations ... riiiiiight???

Does anybody want to know where I get inexpensive blank media?

--
MGD