Shirt Pocket Discussions - Unregistered copy won't complete backup

I downloaded SuperDuper! today to try, since my old programs don't work on my Intel Macbook. I'm running OSX 10.4.8 on a 100GB MBP with 2Gb memory.

I've attempted to backup my hard drive to a new Simpletech 120GB drive twice. Both times the backup has appeared to be working properly for about 1 hour and 30 minutes - enough to copy about 21 GB of the 26 that needs to be copied. In both cases, the log shows that the stoppage happens after reaching my users folder. Although I realize that the log shows jumps in time for the length of time it takes to copy folders, in both cases the "copying files from Mac HD to Portable" stops showing evaluation and copied status. I let the program sit for an hour and there were no changes, and there appears to be no data flowing to the portable drive.

I really need something to back up this laptop - what can be happening when it gets to my user folder? How can I get it to complete the backup? Will gladly buy once I know it will work!

thank you for any insight!

Llillee