Is it safe to scan and save important documents on your pc?

Question

Docs like birth certificates and all other docs that you usually need to keep?

Answer 1

of course, but just dont depend on only that...

my mom did that w/ all of our stuff like birth cert. and Social Sec. Card, stuff like that...just for a back up in case we lost the original...id recommend doing that...

Answer 2

I recommend these steps:
1) Scan the original docs into Adobe Acrobat format (PDF), then make sure to set the security or permissions so that the document cannot be altered.
2) Do not under any circumstance save these docs on your main PC- instead save them to a secure USB thumb drive and keep it in a lock-box (preferrably fire-proof or resistant)
3) Do not scan and save into a JPEG, TIFF, or other image format as this type of file can be altered to include Trojans and other harmful executables hidden in the code.

Answer 3

You need to define "safe". Scanning your own documents with your own equipment has no risk to you, the document, or your equipment. You just get an electronic copy. Electronic copies can be destroyed, just like hard copy. Even easier. You can make multiple copies, back them up to CD, etc. There's no "risk" in doing this.
However, most regulatory agencies will not accept an electronic copy (or a hard copy made from an electronic one). The only exceptions are where the copies are digitally signed by the maker (which is not your case). To keep for your own records, to back up in case of disaster... no problem. To hand to the government? Not bloody likely.

Answer 4

As long as you do not have confidential information in there, then you can scan and store it on your computer without concern. If it is confidential, it is still not an issue as long as you do not have any shared drives or areas accessible by someone who should not see those documents.

If your PC has access to the internet or you use a P2P package like Limewire or Bearshare, you may want to burn those scanned items to a CDROM and then remove them from your hard disk. Not only will this save space on your C: drive but will also let you control who sees the scanned images by keeping them in a drawer or cabinet under lock and key.

And keep in mind that if it is old tax returns or receipts, you may still need to produce these to an auditor or inspector, and so you can't just get rid of the paper after you scanned it.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

You can save them to your hard drive, but I would consider getting a jump drive, pin drive etc.. and saving it to that. Then you can keep it in a safty deposit box or fire proof box just in case.
Good luck!

Answer 7

yes...but always make sure that you have a back up or something bc i lost three major documents and homework essays b i stupidly didn't have a backup

Answer 8

Yes.

Answer 9

you can copy then on cd/dvd as a backup.