How do I back up critical files

[Toody]

Hi,

I was just told that I may need to install the update for Internet Ecplorer
6 for XP Service Pack 2 in order to stop my IE from crashing.

I started the update, but was told to back up critical files before
proceeding. Which critical files should I back up and what method is best?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Chris Schatte]

Toody,
Have a look here for Windows:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/backup.mspx
In Outlook you can download this utility for your .pst file:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010875321033.aspx
Critical files are those that you want to keep and restore if there is a
problem or error when you update your MS software.
User information for Windows versions can be found on this page:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/default.mspx

Chris Schatte

 

[Toody]

Chris,

Thanks for the links. They're very easy to understand - and very helpful!

I do have one question. If I back up my files to Drive D, as is suggested,
do I need a CD? Also, can you use a CD like a floppy (over and over again),
or can you only place the items on it one time, and then never add anything
to it again without erasing the original contents?

 

[DL]

CDR = write once
CDRW= write/rewrite
(Similarly with DVD)
Whether you can add files to a cd depends on the burning software used, and
obviously only with a CDRW
The crucile thing is to test whether your CD's are able to restore data in a
readable state.
Personally I prefere to backup to a second hd and or external hd, eg usb
memory stick.

 

[chv]

Hi All

I just Installed this backup tool.

To run a test, I backed up my Outlook Personal folders. I then deleted a
folder under my Inbox. Went to File > Open > Outlook Data file... I opened
"Outlook backup.pst". The folder I deleted has not been restored.

Is this the way it works or am I missing something ?

Thanks

=========

 

[Don MI]

Chris,

Thanks for the links. They're very easy to understand - and very helpful!

I do have one question. If I back up my files to Drive D, as is suggested,
do I need a CD? Also, can you use a CD like a floppy (over and over
again),
or can you only place the items on it one time, and then never add
anything
to it again without erasing the original contents?

No. Backup only to your D drive is sufficient. Likely installing the two
updates you are planning will not damage your files. If anything happens
bad, having a copy on another partition is sufficient.

If you were doing a system backup/image then doing so to an external drive
{USB or Firewire}, to DVD or to CD would be preferred to prevent any damage
to your computer also damaging your backup/image. An external drive is
faster than DVD or CD. DVD would require fewer disks than CD. For
backup/image to DVD or CD you need to read the programs directions to
determine rewrite disks are recommended.

You should consider establishing a suitable routine for backup/image of your
system.

Don

 

[Toody]

DL,

Thanks for making things easy to understand!! I appreciate the information.

Toody