Backup-Secure your Data

Quick Check List

Screen Capture Desktop
Operating System CDs or Manufacturers Recovery CDs
Master Programs
Driver info for Printers, Scanners etc
Internet Connection Details – Dial up or ADSL including User Name & Passwords
Router Information – Default IP and Encryption Key for Wireless
Email Addresses – User Names, passwords, POP & SMTP info for each account
Email Address Book
Important Emails
Internet Favourites
Documents
Document Templates
Photos
Music
Videos

Back-up

Backup refers to making copies of data so that these additional copies may be used to restore the original after a data loss event or transfer to a new computer. These additional copies are typically called "backups." Backups are useful primarily for three purposes. The first is to restore a state following a disaster . The second is to restore small numbers of files after they have been accidentally deleted or corrupted. The third is to transfer your personal data to another computer.
Since a backup system contains at least one copy of all data worth saving, the data storage requirements could be considerable. There are many different types of data storage devices that are useful for making backups. For the standard personal computing applications CD’s /DVD’s or memory sticks are usually adequate storage devices. It is important to store the backup devices in a different location to the computer.
Again for the home user, complex backup systems involving compression is rarely necessary so the following advice and procedures have been set up as a guide which if followed will protect your special data.

TIP: USE SCREEN CAPTURES

With Screen Hunter or Magic Capture take screen captures of as much as possible. Start with a screen capture of your desktop icons . Paste the capture into a WORD Document.
Do this to record all of your personal settings like Email accounts and dialup connections

Check List

Operating System

These Discs are provided when you purchase your computer and are frequently labeled Recovery CD (or DVD). Keep them safe in the event of a system crash they will be needed!

Master Programs

Some are provided when you purchase your computer. You should also have the masters to recover. Other programs will have been purchased or downloaded. Create a check list of all the programs you use. Here are some of the most popular.
Internet Explorer (Version 6 or 7) Free Download
Outlook Express Free Download
Windows Mail (Vista Email) Free Download
AVG8 Anti Virus Free Download
Picasa 3 Free Download
Microsoft Office Master CDs with Serial Number
Photoshop Elements Master CD with Serial Number
Rainlendar Free Download Calendar for Events
PopTray Free Download for controlling SPAM
Photostory Free Download
Nero 6 or any other CD/DVD burning program usually supplied with the Burning drive installed in the system
Add to the above list with your favourite software and check that you have the master discs or can download a free version.

Printers, Scanners and other Attachments – DRIVERS

Check that you have all the CDs and information on these drivers

Internet Connections – Dial up or ADSL Modem Routers

Dail-up Connection

Click on START - Connect to – Note all details on your Connections.
Dialup Connections will require a telephone number – User Name and Password
This is personal to you . DO NOT RELY ON ANY THIRD PARTY TO HAVE THESE DETAILS

ADSL Connection

Your Internet Service Provider will have given you a User Name and Password. Ensure you are aware of where they are stored. It is a good idea to also keep a copy or record details. It is this information that is input into your Router.
The Router, if it is wireless, could also have a code to encrypt data transfer for security. Again it is essential to keep a record of this KEY. You will also be provided with a manual for the router and this should be available if transferring to a new system or a re-install.

Personal Data

Making copies of files is the simplest and most common way to perform a backup.

Email – Address Book
Notes on the our Blog : Export http://wegroup.blogspot.com/2006/11/extract-address-book-for-mailmerge.html
Or http://www.helpwithpcs.com/tipsandtricks/backup-outlook-express-address-book.htm
Also Export it as a WAB file for extra security
Store both of them in the My Documents Folder
If you only have a few important Emails then minimise the Outlook Window and drag to My Documents. You can also create a special folder for them.
Microsoft also has some excellent info on securing your Outlook Express Information
Print out this article and follow for reference
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/270670

Email – Accounts

Ensure you have all the details for your Email accounts.
Email address, User Name, Password , POP and SMTP details and any advances settings (port changes for GMail).

Again Screen shots pasted into a WORD Document is a great way to record this information.

Favourites
Backing Up Your Favorites
You can keep a backup of your Favorites in case you accidentally delete any of your list. You can also use this backup to transfer your Favorites list to a different PC or another browser program.
Click on the File menu (in Internet Explorer 7 click the Add To Favorites button) then click Import and Export. You should see a window welcoming you to the Import and Export Wizard. Click Next, then select Export Favorites. Leave the main folder selected on the Export Favorites Source Folder screen and click Next.
Make sure Export to a File or Address is selected, then Browse to a location on your hard drive where you wish to store a copy of your Favorites list. Type a name for your backup, for example MyFavorites and click Save. Click Next, then Finish and a window should tell you the export was successful.
The Favorites backup file is saved as a web page file and it can also be opened in your browser like a normal web page by double-clicking it. It will appear as a simple-looking web page containing your Favorites links.

DOCUMENTS

The folder My Documents also contain subfolders for My Pictures , My Music and My Videos. This can make it too large to copy onto a single CD or DVD but first check the size.
Templates are an important part of your working documents but they are stored in hidden folders. One quick way is to Open WORD –File NEW – Open each template and SAVE As – give it a document name starting with Template and create a Folder for them. These can later be recovered and re-saved as .dot templates
Under Windows Explorer - Right Click on My Documents Folder and select Properties. This will give you the overall size. Usually the Pictures Folder will be large and can be backed up separately.
Memory Stick Backup: Insert the Memory stick and under Windows Explorer Drag Folders and Files to the stick, Remember to make a note of the Date of the backup
CD or DVD: Using Nero or any other Burning Software select create a Data Disc. ADD the folders and Files. The size will be displayed to ensure there us enough space on the media . Click on BURN . Label and Date the disc and store in a safe place.

PHOTOS

These are very special memories and if lost it can be a disaster. CDs and DVDs are now a very reasonable so copy your photos on a frequent basis . Make a monthly or quarterly backup. Picasa has 2 options that will secure your photos. GIFT CD and Backup.
This will be covered in detail in futures notes . You can also use the same routine as for Documents . Dragging the folder to a memory stick or burning to a CD or DVD. Remember it is important to label and record the details on the discs.

MUSIC

Your audio CDs could have been recorded in MP3 for WMA format on your computer. If you have the original music it is not essential to backup your computer music . However you might not have originals so use NERO or any other burning software to transfer to CD’s or DVD.

VIDEOS

Videos are large files so usually need DVD’s as backups. Use the Data option of your burning software to create copies. Or a large Memory stick might be be sufficient.