(January 11, 2007)
1. Let the System do the work for you…
System Restore – a component of Windows XP
System Restore monitors changes to your system and some application files, and it automatically creates easily identified restore points. Restore points are created almost daily and at any time you make a software or hardware change.
You need to know how to “restore” your system to an earlier time or day – in the event you have a problem with an update or installation.
Restoring your computer does not affect or change your personal data files or email records. You need to backup your personal files and email records periodically as a separate process.
Steps to System Restore (Windows XP):
Start
All Programs
System Tools
System Restore
For more information:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/xpsysrst.mspx
2. How to decide what data you should back up?
Make a list of the programs you use regularly.
Identify the output from those programs.
Folders and files
Rate the importance of the Files and Folders. Those files and folders that are most important should be backed up more frequently.
Creating this list or table will give you a reference list, should you have to recover damaged or lost data.
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My Documents |
Folder…. |
Quarterly |
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Folder… |
Annually |
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File… |
Quarterly |
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File… |
Quarterly |
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My Pictures |
January 2006 folders |
Copy to external drive |
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February 2006 folders |
Copy to external drive |
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Kodak Data Folder |
Quarterly |
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Photoshop psd files |
Monthly |
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Email Address Book |
Create Export file |
Quarterly |
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Internet Explorer Bookmarks |
Create Export file |
Quarterly |
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Outlook Express Mail Folders |
Copy and Paste Inbox to Backup Folder |
Quarterly |
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Copy and Paste Sent to Backup Folder |
Quarterly |
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Copy and Paste Travel to Backup Folder |
Quarterly |
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Download Programs - Purchased |
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Download Programs – Free |
AVG |
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Zone Alarm |
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Spybot |
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Depending on the nature of the data, you may want to keep the backup copy in a second location, safety deposit box or with an online service (example: QuickBooks, Quicken, Adobe for photos….)
3. What type of external storage/media should you use for backup?
CD-R
One Time Use – Projects/Slide Shows/Music Files
DVD-R
One Time Use – Large files/ Media Conversion .avi files/ Movies
USB Flash Drive
Folders and Files that need to be transported, copied and can be written over.
External Hard Drive
Large amounts of data that will most likely be accessed again by application programs.
Online Service
Files (photos) that will be shared with others online. Space provided by ISPs and other service providers. Online host space that can be purchased, similar to website space.
A table of External Storage Devices with Pros and Cons can be obtained from the information at the following website:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/wherebackup.mspx
4. HOW should you back up your files???
Make Backup copies manually:
Right click on the file or folder name you want to backup, and then click Copy from the menu.
In My Computer, right click on the disk or external hard drive where you want to store the backup copy, and then click Paste from the menu.
OR to write to a CD
Right click on the file or folder name, and then click Send to – copy to CD.
You must then open the CD drive and click Write to CD, to finish the process.
For information on installing the Windows XP Home Edition Backup Utility see the website listed below:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q302894
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx
Other programs, such as Norton Ghost, can be purchased and used. However, you should only proceed with a purchased program if you understand and can complete the manual backup process above.