Never Forget To Backup Your Files Regularly

16 replies
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.
#backup #files #forget #regularly
  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author JMPruitt
    I keep a backup of everything online as well as having a backup hard drive, redundancy maybe but better not to take chances
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    • Profile picture of the author 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
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    • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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    • Profile picture of the author dotslash
      I'm just backing up all my stuff to my Buffalo - because of this thread !

      Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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