What do you backup

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  1. Posts : 422
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP 1, 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #11

    I noticed you pay more for a portable which I don't need, so which one should I get? A lot of them say no software to mess around with.
    I have a Dell computer with Windows 7, Vostro 220, intel processor. Is that the info you need. I don't have a lot of stuff to backup and it is just a home computer, so I don't need heavy duty I don't think. I had a 8 gb flash drive and thought that would hold it all, but I guess not.
    I cannot afford to spend a lot, but don't want to get one that breaks and gives me trouble. Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 880
    Windows 7 Professional 64bit
       #12

    If you're in the U.S., I just read the Sunday ads and Office Depot has a $99 Seagate 1TB GoFlex (desktop) drive on sale for $60 bucks. Almost certainly USB2.0, but a good deal if that's all you have anyway (eSATA and USB3.0 are alot faster). I have 3 Seagate ext drives and they've all been great, the latest being one of the GoFlex (mine's a USB3.0, but the same size/shape/features otherwise). It's deadly silent, wicked-fast, and has a nice form-factor with spiffy LEDs.

    The 8Gb flash drive ought to serve you well for your Documents. Backup critical Documents to it every day. The big drive is for everything i.e. windows, programs, settings, docs, you-name-it.

    P.S. the Vostro doesn't look to have USB3.0 ports (they'd be Blue most likely) so you wouldn't need USB3.0 unless you plan to replace the PC sometime soon.
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  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #13

    Here is a good source. There is e.g. a 500GB Seagate for $39.99 at Newegg which looks like a good deal. Seagates are as good as any - although I personally prefer the Japanese makes.
    Storage Devices Deals - Deals2buy.com
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 14,606
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7600
       #14

    one thing that hasn't been mentioned yet pati is to back up some of your most important files online, i can recommend using skydrive, if you open a windows live account then you can upload your important photos and documents and have another backup that way, this would be for an emergency ,ie you have a house fire or break in and your computer and external drives are lost.
    and you could do it now. also you can have around 25GB of storage in the skydrive..
    this will give you piece of mind until you can purchase an external ,and it is free.

    here is a link for skydrive information.

    SkyDrive: Get started - Upload files online, share photos in email
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  5. Posts : 422
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP 1, 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #15

    I don't know what to do. I am still trying to figure out how to get the files I want to backup. It always backs up a file called Patty's PC which takes up a lot of space. I don't even know what that is or how it gets there. I want documents, photos - basically everything that is on my desktop. I go to the list where you pick out what you want, and I do that, but I still get what the computer wants!!! I couldn't figure out skydive. I am so dumb and frustrated. I know I should back up, this computer is 4 years old, so never know when it will die.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 14,606
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7600
       #16

    i suspect pattys pc is your users folder which contains documents ,photos music etc which also contains a desktop folder ie whats on the desktop..

    skydrive is very simple when you get started.
    if you open a windows live account then we can help you get started from here.

    dont be fustrated you are amongst friends and we can get you there.
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  7. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #17

    Important personal data: multiple safe copies in what ever form.

    Images:
    * 2 external HDDs (2 smaller rather than 1 big). These things fail!
    * 2 locations if possible (I'm way too lazy)
    * 2 imaging software packages. Fewer images with one that you can fall back on if your best friend deserts you.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 422
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP 1, 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #18

    Thanks Boohboh - I have got skydive now. When it asked for my email address it wouldn't let me put in yahoo, so I used hotmail. Lower down it said alternative email and that is where I put my yahoo address. Ok - I got that far!!!
    So where do I go from here?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #19

    Don't forget to back up your saved email and your bookmarks. Where they are located depends on what email application you use and what browser you use.

    Separate in your mind two different categories: Windows and personal data.

    Windows can only be backed up with an image. Personal data can be backed up with an image or "file by file" (without using an image).

    For most people, personal data is much more important than Windows. So, you should pay special attention to personal data backup.

    If you have an ordinary installation, your personal data is probably somewhere inside the C:\users folder. If nothing else, you could just copy the entire C:\users folder to your backup drive from time to time.

    There are applications that will help automate this process, but your first task is to identify and locate ALL of your personal data--most of it should be under C:\users\yourusername.

    Backing up Windows itself is another issue entirely. If you know how to reinstall Windows from scratch (if you had to), then I wouldn't get too concerned about backing up Windows. If you can and are willing to reinstall Windows and your applications in an emergency situation, you don't have to backup Windows with an image. Most people don't backup Windows. Most people don't build their own PCs and therefore don't have regular Windows installation discs. Instead, they rely on the recovery capabilities built into the PC by the manufacturer---rather than imaging. Most likely, that is your situation. You should make "recovery disks" if you have not already done so.

    With your situation and skill level, I would concentrate on personal data backup. All you need to do that is an external drive and knowledge of where your personal data is.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 422
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP 1, 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #20

    hard drive


    whs said:
    Here is a good source. There is e.g. a 500GB Seagate for $39.99 at Newegg which looks like a good deal. Seagates are as good as any - although I personally prefer the Japanese makes.
    Storage Devices Deals - Deals2buy.com
    When I go to Newegg, it is not for 39.99, it is 60 something. It doesn't get good reviews but I think only 3 people reviewed it.
      My Computer


 
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