I just asked about the noise coming from my hard drive. (shaking my head) I was "tactfully" told some of my options. Before anyone really thinks I'm stupid I know how to back up some of my files, BUT, what is the best and safest way to back up files? Especially if I am having a hard drive problem???
2007-01-01 05:16:09 · 4 answers · asked by Emma J 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Hey Dudette,
What OS?
First, identify where ALL of your files are located. This can sometimes be the biggest challenge for people. I have never seen a class or someone beating into people the importance of good file management. "KNOW THY COMPUTER!" You may have to look ALL OVER the place for things.
If it is Windows XP pro, there is a built-in backup utility. In a pinch it works okay. Start|run|ntbackup. This is a crude way to backup stuff. It has a system restore and everything.
For a few extra bucks you can purchase something called Acronis. http://www.acronis.com. It is a GREAT lifesaver for those who think they may have issues.
How does this all work. You can not "Back-up" on a hard drive where you think you may have problems, right. That would be like giving yourself a blood transfusion from one arm to another. Your net gain is 0!
You need some sort of external medium to save your stuff. Most people use a CD/DVD Rom and write to it.
Other, and probably a better choice, is to purchase a good external hard drive.
All you should have to do is drag and drop (poop and plop) files to another external hard drive.
Hope this helps.
Tom
2007-01-01 05:33:36 · answer #1 · answered by Cafetom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get an external hard drive. Many of them are coming with great backup software that is powerful and easy to use. I have an Iomega. The options suggested for ghosting the drive will work too, but it is a little more complicated for a basic user. (Be aware that some of the files copied, could be corrupted as the drive fails)
2007-01-01 13:42:32 · answer #2 · answered by robert257a 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would help to know your operating system but here goes. The quickest way would be to copy all files to a DVD or multiple CDs if you have a burner. Since you're likely going to replace the hard drive, copy all of your essential system files and/or important personal files (irreplaceable) first.
A good method is to record the entire Windows folder but Windows/system if in a super rush.
XP and all NT versions have a back up utility that works great in this regard. You can back up your files, all of them, to disks with little trouble and then reinstall once the new drive and OS has been installed or reinstalled.
Still, the fastest way is to copy them to DVD or CD
2007-01-01 13:31:42 · answer #3 · answered by heartmindspace 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go out and buy a new hard drive ASAP.
Install in your computer, you could then use say Ghost (Nortons) and do a full copy to the new hardrive from your old hardrive.
This way you do not have to load all your software again.
Then set the new drive as your boot drive, you will then be up and running as before with no loss of data.
2007-01-01 13:28:02 · answer #4 · answered by uptousuk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋