Never Forget To Backup Your Files Regularly

[Nail Yener]

Warriors, an important advice is hidden in this thread, so listen to it carefully.

This morning, as I was working on one of my projects on my laptop, suddenly the screen got black and the laptop tried to reset itself without warning. No matter what I tried, I couldn't make it restart, always giving error on a blue screen.

I had purchased this laptop one year ago and had been using it without any major problems up to now. It seemed that I would never have a big problem like a software or hardware issue. The OS is Vista home edition by the way.

I said to myself "I'm gone!". This is because, I hadn't backed up my internet marketing folder for about three months and I am sure you can imagine how it might have developed in three months. I had all my downloads, software, about 300 ebooks, passwords, backup files of my websites and my own works about freelance jobs in that folder. I felt like a shopkeeper whose shop was burnt in a sudden fire.

Thank God, I was able to find Vista install DVD which came with the laptop. I inserted it and luckily the installation screen appeared. The installation took about an hour and the only question I had in my mind was "Will I see my files again?".

Suprisingly after the installation, welcome screen listed two Vistas. I chose the upper one and bingo! I was in. All the files and folders were there on disk C with the new Vista setup and the old Vista setup was on disk D. The first thing I did was to plug my flash disk and copy all the files on it. I have two installed Vistas on my laptop with one functioning and one not. I had to do all the updates and install all the software again which took about five hours.

Afterall, I can't describe how happy I was. Because, it might be the case that I didn't see the files again. What could I do then? A big nothing.

So, I decided to backup my files every week and if something big changes, I will back it up daily. I know most of you have had similar experiences before, and some of you might have lost their files. I am talking to the ones that never needed to backup their files before. Do it now as you can never trust to software or hardware a hundred percent.

[George Wright]

Hi,

I second this. The same thing happened to me today. I got the dreaded blue screen of death.

I did lose about 25% of my stuff but most of it I have either uploaded to my host or on a external hard drive and flash drive. I am able to keep going because of this little ol Dell Laptop I have. I'll be getting a netbook soon, and another external HD.

I can get over the loss alright. It still hurts.

George Wright

[JMPruitt]

I keep a backup of everything online as well as having a backup hard drive, redundancy maybe but better not to take chances

[GeorgettaSterling]

I too have lost major amounts of work several times - I can feel the pain of those who have computer meltdowns! After being beaten over the head about it repeatedly, I finally got the message and now I backup all my documents every week - I use an external hard drive (one of those USB hard drives - costs less than $100, more space than you would ever really need).

An even better solution would be to use one of those complete system backup systems, or a RAID configuration, but for now, I am sticking to the weekly manual backup. Set an appointment in your calendar to do it, and then just DO IT!

Interestingly, since I have started to back everything up regularly, I haven't had any computer malfunctions at all. I think the computer knows now that it can't mess with me, so it isn't trying!

Best Regards, Georgetta

[paradox_qu]

If you use Ubuntu you can use Ubuntu One and get 2 gigs of off site backup for free. It works similarly to Mosy (those comericals you see with the guy getting his laptop mowed over).

Just another reason to use Linux I guess.

-Nick

[paradox_qu]

I too use an external USB drive but remember that if there is a fire you might lose it too. For my really important stuff I do an off site backup too.

[Shaleniie Devi]

If you don't have an existing backup drive, you can always use online backups like https://www.dropbox.com/. It's free and good

[tommen]

I have purchased a Buffalo ministation where I have all my back ups.If that would fail, I also have everything online.It pays to be careful, if your not you might have to start all over again from scratch.

[priyankeshu]

Hey guys i will strongly suggest each and everyone of you to use Dropbox. It is simply great basically you can have a folder on your dektop and whatever you save inside will automatically stored in your online back up account. It is amazing piece of software.. www. getdropbox .com

[Richard Tunnah]

Everyone should install mozy (Online Backup, Data Backup & Remote Backup Solutions from Mozy.com ? Welcome) or carbonite (Online Backup, Computer Backup Software & Remote Backup ? Carbonite.com) Both are online secure automatic back-ups that you can backup a limited amount of data for free. I also back-up to a flash drive my most important stuff.

Rich

[Cyrus]

I always prefer Desktop over LapTop for continuous work, have lost data 2-3 times, luckily i recovered it

[JAIDEEP2959]

I also keep backup of my files on pen drive and dvds. It is a part of online business.

[dotslash]

I'm just backing up all my stuff to my Buffalo - because of this thread !

Thanks

[TheDebtEliminator]

Hello Ademmeda,

I use the Acronis software and a external harddrive.

Acronis wiill copy everything on your harddrive including all programs so that you can reinstall all in one shot.

Once a week is enough for me and I have occasion use it and it works

Best Regards

[rapsolo]

Originally Posted by Shaleniie Devi

If you don't have an existing backup drive, you can always use online backups like .It's free and good

Never heard about that site before. I will give it a try. Thanks for that infor.

Rapheal

[Nail Yener]

Hey, thanks for all your suggestions. I never considered online backup before, I think I will give it a try. Thanks for the free service recommendations.

[jokarl]

Keeping the backups online is a bit dangerous imo. No matter what you do you cant be 100% secure if all your data is online. Sooner or later your account might get hacked and all your data ends up stolen.

I prefer to backup locally to a USB drive and keep it under my pillow