Computer and Software Support


Backing up files in the event of computer failure or other crises

A computer is a man made device. The computer can last for years without an issue or it can die the day you buy the computer. No one can guarantee the computer will not die or have issues. No one can see into the future. If computers didn't fail, then there wouldn't be warrantees.

With that said!!!

You should always back up your system. You should also have it backed up to more than one location. I have my important files on my C drive backed up to two external hard drives. I do that because I had my C drive and an external drive die at the same time. I lost files that I wanted to keep.

I also recommend using a program that automatically backs up your files at a scheduled interval. If you rely only on your persistence to back the files up, you will forget to back it up or delay backing up. Chances are that is when you will have a crash (hopefully you won't)

Here is a short list of items to back up. This is also only a guide. You may or may not have all the folders that I mention. You also may decide you do not want to back a folder up that I mention. Also some of these folders will be found in all the users so if you have two users, you need to back up the following files from both users. If you have 3 users, you will need to back the files up from all 3 users (unless you do not want to save the files from a specific user) (for information on locating the following folders, click on the hyperlink)

Here is a sample of how some of the above folders look like

 

To backup Outlook folders and email click here

To backup Outlook contacts, click here

How to backup your mail in Outlook, click here

The folders above in general is where most people save their files. However people do save their files to other locations so browse all folders to verify you haven't overlooked a file.

Programs do not get backed up. You will need to use the program disk or software to reinstall them. You can't just copy the programs over. You will have issues if you do.

VERY IMPORTANT!!! Be sure you update and scan your system with anti-virus and anti-spyware program before copying files. If you are infected, you can copy the virus or spyware to your backup.

You should also make a backup copy of your program disks. They can get broken or disappear. If you loose the disk, you may have to buy another one and that can be expensive. If you backed the program CD up, you can create another disk and won't have to worry about buying another disk.

Here is instructions on Sonic to create an ISO image. There is other software out there as well but the steps to create the ISO should be similar. (be sure to save these files in two locations)

If you loose the CD or it gets damaged you can create another disk if you had previously made an iso image. To create a disk from ISO click here.

There is folders and files that you shouldn't delete and there is files that you can delete. Here is a list of files and folders that you can or cannot delete. Again this is only a guide. Before deleting any file or folder be sure you know what you are doing and have the file backed up. Click here for information.

I use Karen's Replicator to back up my files to two external hard drives. I also periodically back the files to DVDs. Karen's Replicator is a great tool for backing up. Once you have it set up, it will automatically run at intervals you designate. At the time of this posting, the software is free. As with any 3rd party software or websites, I can't guarantee it will stay that way. Click here for Karen's website to review or to get the software.

There is other software out there that is either free or for purchase that is as good as Karen's or better. However, I haven't tried them and cannot give an opinion on them.  

Here are other pages that may help you as well.