"Sorry, but I have to Format your Computer!" - Does this freak you out?

[jackmrk]

I am a computer PRO (25 years of experience) so I don't
sweat too much about this situation.

But I have lots of friends who feel the chill on their back
when the technician says they have lost their data.

That's because they have no reliable backup.

After too many weekends wasted trying to help them recover I have
put a simple how to document with screen shots showing
how to configure a free of charge automatic backup.

The report is attached to this post...

You can then forget to backup since it will do it for you
automatically.

I'd appreciate if you can take a look and tell me if it is
indeed clear and if you enjoyed it, feel free to pass it on.

P.S.

This is a PDF file 2MB size, so it could take a minute or two
if you have fast internet connection.

The report is attached to this post...

P.P.S. Don't forget to tell me how to make it better!

P.P.P.S. For more mozy and backup tips goto http://www.bestitfriend.org/landing/invite-mozy/
For more General Computing Tips that save Time and Money goto http://www.bestitfriend.org/landing/invite-mozy/

Thanks!

Jack.

[Mgwolf]

I'd reccomend an external hard drive that backs up your work a few times a day. They are incredibly inexpensive these days.

[jackmrk]

That is an excellent strategy, and yet you need the right backup tool
to backup the data to it, as well as the option for remote backup.
Both are described on my attached report.

[Kenton Newby]

This is "must-know" stuff for those of us that work on the computer most of the time, especially if it's your source of income.

I just had a laptop hard drive crash on me. But I didn't take them up on the $100 data recovery option because all of my data is on an external storage device attached to my home network, which automatically backs up to a second hard drive.

I have way to much data (videos, music, IM software and stuff, etc) to backup all of that stuff to a site like Mozy. But for the mission-critical stuff, definitely a good option.

A similar service is Dropbox (Dropbox - Home - Secure backup, sync and sharing made easy.) but you can't choose which directories get backed up without a little fiddling around. Almost makes me want to switch to Mozy.

~Kenton

[fabian1]

Yes, I always back up all my important information in a pendrive, and sometimes I upload important files to one of my sites

[4thstreet]

Good information to know since we all know that sooner or later there will be a crash.

[Markus Nimocks]

Online backups are a good option, but I like to use free tools to sync my data to an external hard drive. The online option can be a "Back up to the back up". The main problem with online backups is if you have a TON of data, it takes awhile to restore it.

In any case, I definitely advocate a reliable online backup - I devote an entire, lengthy chapter to it in my Computer Secrets Unleashed ebooks.

Of course - any backup is better than no backup!

[lcombs]

External hard-drive gets my vote.

Inexpensive, easy, and safe.

I keep my EHD unplugged from my computer until I need it.

[n7 Studios]

I also feel a chill down my back when I hear computer technicans telling their clients the data has been lost, typically because said technican decided to format the PC without backing up the data first. Pot calling kettle black when said technical reprimands clients for not doing backups...

[Bruce NewMedia]

Originally Posted by n7 Studios

I also feel a chill down my back when I hear computer technicans telling their clients the data has been lost, typically because said technican decided to format the PC without backing up the data first....

Sorry, but a technician that reformats a drive without first checking with the client is not doing their job, period.
_____
Bruce

[edhan]

I use Acronis True Image backup the entire C drive. If anything should happen, I simply restore the entire C drive including the O/S. And I am up and running including the data on the day of the backup. As for the rest of the data, I am using sync backup for them. It will sync the data with my external harddisk so it will be up to date.

[stateless]

Definitely back stuff up!

[Kim Davis]

I did have a hard drive crash a few months ago. Had no back up (Duh) so I paid the computer fellow the $100 to retrieve. Now I have all my business files on external flash drives. Cost me $20 for 16 gigs. Cheap. I always think about if my house was on fire I couldn't possibly grab my whole computer and run outside but I might be able to snag the gig stick on the way by.

[Baguadude]

Acronis True Image is an excellent tool (if you want a paid one):

Backup software for data backup and disaster recovery in Windows and Linux - Acronis

You image your entire partition and after one click it and allows you to recover from viruses, unstable software downloads, and failed hard drives.

However, Seagate users can use it for free in here (promoted as DiscWizard):

DiscWizard | Seagate


Macrium is a good alternative to True Image:

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

[sarasayshi]

Originally Posted by Mgwolf

I'd reccomend an external hard drive that backs up your work a few times a day. They are incredibly inexpensive these days.

Yea I recommend this also. In fact you should probably have 2 externals and they are pretty darn cheap these days. Maybe $50-70.00.

I have backups of my wordpress blogs emailed to me weekely so that also helps.

[xiaophil]

Originally Posted by MRRproducts

Is it possible to retrieve the data without backup after the hard drive is crashed?

Yes it is possible. Electronics and heads can be replaced, and platters can be scanned to recover information that's still intact. The problem is this kind of work is highly specialized and very, very expensive.

Best to avoid this altogether and keep a backup - much cheaper.

I use a SATA docking station. It has USB and ESATA connectors and takes bare 3.5" and 5.25" drives - very handy!

[waken]

Hi Jack,
It's better if you could make a report on how to do the format and re-install the Windows instead. Well, back up is not a big issue. It's easy but doing the re-installation of Windows (from formatting, partition, drivers, windows etc.) sounds more difficult.

I have all the original disk but when the pc turns abnormal and needed a format and re installation, I have always send it to the technician to do the job. However, I've always wanted to do it myself esp. when the breakdown happened during weekend, midnight or public holidays...

[rosetrees]

My local computer shop has started a mini campaign, at my suggestion, to encourage people to take responsibility for their own data.

In other words - do your backups. His paperwork now comes with emblazoned in large red letters.

It's amazing how many people will phone me or him in a panic (computers always crash at the most inconvenient time).

If the computer is still usable, the first thing I do is ask if they have a back-up of the data. If not, I always back it up before doing anything else - if the computer will allow it. If not - they have the option: 1) I'll try and sort it out, but only after they have expressly agreed that it's possible that data might be lost. 2) Take it to the computer repair shop. But I make it clear that he isn't a miracle worker either.

My clients will tell you I sound like a broken record on the subject of backups. I don't mind how they do it - CD, DVD, external hardrive, online backup, pendrive, another computer or even a printout. And for businesses, two copies, with one kept away from the business premises.

One client proved how sensible that was a couple of years ago when the river Severn flooded her business. The army arrived and simply told them to get out - now. Fortunately she had a complete back up of her computer data at home.

Your data is YOUR responsiblity. NOT the responsiblity of the technician, teacher, neighbour etc who comes to your aid.

[jackmrk]

Dear Rich, We are friends of the trade then! I'd love to look at your books!

Originally Posted by Rich Pryor

Online backups are a good option, but I like to use free tools to sync my data to an external hard drive. The online option can be a "Back up to the back up". The main problem with online backups is if you have a TON of data, it takes awhile to restore it.

In any case, I definitely advocate a reliable online backup - I devote an entire, lengthy chapter to it in my Computer Secrets Unleashed ebooks.

Of course - any backup is better than no backup!

[jackmrk]

Hey Edhan, I love Acronis as well! Used it for years...and the current version
will do a dual backup - one copy to a disk/cd and one to an ftp site or
such.

I will be posting acronis secrets how to as well...

Originally Posted by edhan

I use Acronis True Image backup the entire C drive. If anything should happen, I simply restore the entire C drive including the O/S. And I am up and running including the data on the day of the backup. As for the rest of the data, I am using sync backup for them. It will sync the data with my external harddisk so it will be up to date.

[jackmrk]

Hey Waken,

Sure, I will be doing this kind of how to...its a great idea and many
people do need it.
Thing is I'd also look into the reasons for the need to re-format...
Maybe a better secure setup will result in a more stable PC
(I have an ebook on how to do that at Secure and Quick PC - Made Easy - The Getting Started Guide - Using Microsoft® Updates )
and also use acronis to create an image of your PC when its good.
Then if you have major issues you let acronis restore your PC
in few clicks and you don't need to go through the whole
re-install parade....

Yours,

Jack.

Originally Posted by waken

Hi Jack,
It's better if you could make a report on how to do the format and re-install the Windows instead. Well, back up is not a big issue. It's easy but doing the re-installation of Windows (from formatting, partition, drivers, windows etc.) sounds more difficult.

I have all the original disk but when the pc turns abnormal and needed a format and re installation, I have always send it to the technician to do the job. However, I've always wanted to do it myself esp. when the breakdown happened during weekend, midnight or public holidays...

[jackmrk]

This is what I call a great professional service! Not so many like you around...

Yours,

Jack.

Originally Posted by rosetrees

My local computer shop has started a mini campaign, at my suggestion, to encourage people to take responsibility for their own data.

In other words - do your backups. His paperwork now comes with emblazoned in large red letters.

It's amazing how many people will phone me or him in a panic (computers always crash at the most inconvenient time).

If the computer is still usable, the first thing I do is ask if they have a back-up of the data. If not, I always back it up before doing anything else - if the computer will allow it. If not - they have the option: 1) I'll try and sort it out, but only after they have expressly agreed that it's possible that data might be lost. 2) Take it to the computer repair shop. But I make it clear that he isn't a miracle worker either.

My clients will tell you I sound like a broken record on the subject of backups. I don't mind how they do it - CD, DVD, external hardrive, online backup, pendrive, another computer or even a printout. And for businesses, two copies, with one kept away from the business premises.

One client proved how sensible that was a couple of years ago when the river Severn flooded her business. The army arrived and simply told them to get out - now. Fortunately she had a complete back up of her computer data at home.

Your data is YOUR responsiblity. NOT the responsiblity of the technician, teacher, neighbour etc who comes to your aid.

[jackmrk]

Looks like the majority here said "Absolutelly, and I will forward it to my friends"

[TerryTelford]

Hi Jack

Fantastic idea for a report. I am pretty mobile working between 2 offices, so I use an external hard drive that backs up to a second external hard drive. And I have a story for you that fits in perfectly with the "I have to format your computer" saying.

Here's what happened to me before I started using an external drive as my backup system:

I bought a new printer and attempted to install the driver on my computer. It wouldn't install, so I tried it on my laptop and it installed in 5 minutes. Then I spent 16 hours on support calls with HP and their tech people even used their remote desktop abilities to finally come to the conclusion that there was something wrong with the computer and we would have to reformat it. At that point, I wasn't worried because part of the reformatting was to back up everything onto another part of the hard drive.

Then the real drama starts.

When the computer was reformatted, the backup didn't work. So all my material was stuck on a backup that wouldn't open. And what was HP's response? Sorry we can't help you because we're not allowed.

Did I mention that I'm also a non-technical person? LOL

Long story short, I found a forum online and read another person's story that was similar to mine and the problem with the backup is the formatting of the files. The files automatically format as 01, 02, 03 etc. then when it gets to 010 it's supposed to format as 0010, but it doesn't add the extra 0.

Eventually I was able to unlock my backed up files (no thanks to HP) and got my files back on my computer. Then I decided it was a good idea to have a backup all the time

I hope this scares you enough to run out and read the report that Jack just posted.

Enjoy your day!
Terry

[MichaelHiles]

$100 for a 1TB USB drive.

A little disk image creation magic with open source and a scheduled batch...

[jackmrk]

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

$100 for a 1TB USB drive.

A little disk image creation magic with open source and a scheduled batch...

That is important as well, but won't save you out if something happens to it...

Yours,

Jack.

[nanexist]

Wow, I think I'm convinced. Gettin a backup drive lol.

[jackmrk]

Originally Posted by TerryTelford

Hi Jack

Fantastic idea for a report. I am pretty mobile working between 2 offices, so I use an external hard drive that backs up to a second external hard drive. And I have a story for you that fits in perfectly with the "I have to format your computer" saying.

Here's what happened to me before I started using an external drive as my backup system:

I bought a new printer and attempted to install the driver on my computer. It wouldn't install, so I tried it on my laptop and it installed in 5 minutes. Then I spent 16 hours on support calls with HP and their tech people even used their remote desktop abilities to finally come to the conclusion that there was something wrong with the computer and we would have to reformat it. At that point, I wasn't worried because part of the reformatting was to back up everything onto another part of the hard drive.

Then the real drama starts.

When the computer was reformatted, the backup didn't work. So all my material was stuck on a backup that wouldn't open. And what was HP's response? Sorry we can't help you because we're not allowed.

Did I mention that I'm also a non-technical person? LOL

Long story short, I found a forum online and read another person's story that was similar to mine and the problem with the backup is the formatting of the files. The files automatically format as 01, 02, 03 etc. then when it gets to 010 it's supposed to format as 0010, but it doesn't add the extra 0.

Eventually I was able to unlock my backed up files (no thanks to HP) and got my files back on my computer. Then I decided it was a good idea to have a backup all the time

I hope this scares you enough to run out and read the report that Jack just posted.

Enjoy your day!
Terry

Terry,

Thanks you for sharing!
So many times people think they have a good backup in place, except
they never get into really checking it out by trying to restore from it...

Yours,

Jack.