Best Backup Strategy...before sending laptop for repair?

Dear All,

This is a question with aspects that pertain to multiple areas. But as the idea is to place queries in the best possible thread categories, I'll try to tie it all into the subject of backup and restore. Here we go!

1. I own an HP Pavillion dv4. as with my two previous HP/Compaq laptops, the cursor is getting "weird". Touchpad requires multiple taps to engage, resting palm on right corner of computer seems to trigger random cursor selecting of text blocks. (In the past, this stuff is typically followed my my hard drive pooping out.) In addition, my CD-ROM player isn't working right.

2. I have a Squaretrade Warranty. As I understand it, it is advised to completely clear off my hard drive and do a fresh install. OR...can I keep the hard drive and just send in the laptop? (I'll call Squaretrade to find out from their perspective). If I HAVE to send them a totally clean computer, what do I want to do here?:
a. If money were no object and/or therer was a high likelihood that Squaretrade would simply reimburse me the price of my laptop, is there a built-in feature in Windows 7 that enables the complete transfer of EVERYTHING (files, bookmarks, pref, browsers, programs, etc) from one laptop to another? If not, what program might you recommend?
b. If money is an issue and/or Squaretrade is likely to fix it and send back, what protocol would you suggest? I have 500GB and 1.5 TB external drives.

3. Is it worth paying extra for laptop repair coverage (I also have accidental damage) when having it repaired requires all this hustle? They pay for shipping both ways - which is nice - but it seems so inconvenient...

Feedback and personal experience welcomed. Thanks.

- LR

LightRadiant said:

Dear All,

This is a question with aspects that pertain to multiple areas. But as the idea is to place queries in the best possible thread categories, I'll try to tie it all into the subject of backup and restore. Here we go!

1. I own an HP Pavillion dv4. as with my two previous HP/Compaq laptops, the cursor is getting "weird". Touchpad requires multiple taps to engage, resting palm on right corner of computer seems to trigger random cursor selecting of text blocks. (In the past, this stuff is typically followed my my hard drive pooping out.) In addition, my CD-ROM player isn't working right.

2. I have a Squaretrade Warranty. As I understand it, it is advised to completely clear off my hard drive and do a fresh install. OR...can I keep the hard drive and just send in the laptop? (I'll call Squaretrade to find out from their perspective). If I HAVE to send them a totally clean computer, what do I want to do here?:
a. If money were no object and/or therer was a high likelihood that Squaretrade would simply reimburse me the price of my laptop, is there a built-in feature in Windows 7 that enables the complete transfer of EVERYTHING (files, bookmarks, pref, browsers, programs, etc) from one laptop to another? If not, what program might you recommend?
b. If money is an issue and/or Squaretrade is likely to fix it and send back, what protocol would you suggest? I have 500GB and 1.5 TB external drives.

3. Is it worth paying extra for laptop repair coverage (I also have accidental damage) when having it repaired requires all this hustle? They pay for shipping both ways - which is nice - but it seems so inconvenient...

Feedback and personal experience welcomed. Thanks.

- LR

1. That sounds terrible. It sounds like your laptop has an autoimmune disease.

2. If they allow you to remove the Hard Drive, do so. It's a pain to lose files.

a.) i. Yes there is. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

ii. I would suggest using Macrium. Macrium is nice in a way whereby you can see the entire disk from another computer with the backup file.

Image your system with free Macrium

You can also look at sysprep in case you want to use the hard drive in another laptop. Although, you might want to ask around in that thread regarding a possibly OEM version of Windows you have on that laptop.

Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer


b.) Image the disk with Macrium on any of the two external drives. If you want to be extra cautious, back it up twice; one on each external hard drive. I had several run ins with backups getting corrupted so I do the best I can in terms of multiple backups.

3. I can't speak for your insurance company(welcome to a third world country mate). But I can take a wild guess that they're doing this only for security in case they do something that might delete or otherwise tamper with your files accidentally or intentionally (formatting).

Hope this gave you some sort of idea on how to go about it.

Oreo,

Thanks for taking the time to offer this constructive feedback! There's no way the Philippines could be considered Third World by some arrogant "First World-er"...especially with such great pop music coming out of it :)

LightRadiant said:

Oreo,

Thanks for taking the time to offer this constructive feedback! There's no way the Philippines could be considered Third World by some arrogant "First World-er"...especially with such great pop music coming out of it :)

No worries buddy.

I personally consider it third world. :) While we're at it, my opinion is until this country allocates its resources properly, we're going to be stuck like this.

I would have to agree on the Philippines producing a lot of talented folk. With so much to do on our spare time, who wouldn't be great at singing? Lol.

Well, hopefully you get the most out of your insurance. Cheers!

Not sure whether you are referring to economic inequality, lack of equal opportunity and resources, or the like...but I'm sure it must be a painful reality to witness and deal with. As an American, I am not sufficiently familiar with the challenges facing other nations and I appreciate you bring this matter to my attention.

Thanks very much for what you contribute to this forum.

Peace and Blessings,

- LR

LightRadiant said:

Not sure whether you are referring to economic inequality, lack of equal opportunity and resources, or the like...but I'm sure it must be a painful reality to witness and deal with. As an American, I am not sufficiently familiar with the challenges facing other nations and I appreciate you bring this matter to my attention.

Thanks very much for what you contribute to this forum.

Peace and Blessings,

- LR

I'd be referring to all the above It is indeed sad to witness.

No worries. Glad to help out whenever I can