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I need to do a System Restore to my p/c. I have never backed up my files. What suggestions do you have for a successful backup. I will be using cds, because I have limited hard drive space. Please use easy p/c language. Thank you,
Pick up an external hard drive to save your data. MUCH easier than using CDs, and you'll be able to use it after you've reinstalled your system - it's a good investment, especially with how cheap they are now.
Your favorites are stored in (assuming XP here):
C:\Documents and Settings\<YourUserName>\Favorites
You'd be wise to back up your entire profile directory (the <YourUserName> directory), though. There could very easily be other things in there you don't realize you'll need. It also contains your "My Documents" directory, so you wouldn't need to back that up separately.
You shouldn't lose any data at all by doing a system restore - even documents you've created after the restore point. To back up files, I like to first get them organized, go through the files I have to make sure I know which ones I want to keep, and then put in a blank DVD-R (or in your case, a blank CD-R). In Vista, when you open up the DVD/RW drive while a blank disc is in it, it opens a window that you can drag and drop (or copy and paste) the files you want to burn to the disc. But again, none of this is necessary for a system restore. If you are reinstalling the operating system, then you need to back everything up.
..... You'd be wise to back up your entire profile directory (the <YourUserName> directory), though. There could very easily be other things in there you don't realize you'll need. It also contains your "My Documents" directory, so you wouldn't need to back that up separately.
While this comment is true, it can be a little more difficult to copy the entire profile folder unless you can log into a different account on the PC. This could be a good time to use the Administrator account.
While this comment is true, it can be a little more difficult to copy the entire profile folder unless you can log into a different account on the PC. This could be a good time to use the Administrator account.
Good point - Windoze locks files that are in use (one of the things that I hate about the o/s), and you'll have trouble getting to certain files if you're logged into the account that owns that profile.
I need to do a System Restore to my p/c. I have never backed up my files. What suggestions do you have for a successful backup. I will be using cds, because I have limited hard drive space. Please use easy p/c language. Thank you,
Quote:
Originally Posted by Naptowner
You shouldn't lose any data at all by doing a system restore - even documents you've created after the restore point. To back up files, I like to first get them organized, go through the files I have to make sure I know which ones I want to keep, and then put in a blank DVD-R (or in your case, a blank CD-R). In Vista, when you open up the DVD/RW drive while a blank disc is in it, it opens a window that you can drag and drop (or copy and paste) the files you want to burn to the disc. But again, none of this is necessary for a system restore. If you are reinstalling the operating system, then you need to back everything up.
If the OP means a system restore to an earlier created restore point I agree. If the OP means a complete reinstall of the OS, then backing up is necessary.
In either case it's a good idea to have backups of your important files. Don't forget data files if you use programs that store them someplace not so obvious.
Yes, you are correct. The OP was posting about a month ago that she had to do a system restore, and it sounds like she just needs to go back to an earlier restore point.
But of course, it's a very good idea to back up everything, including program data.
But of course, it's a very good idea to back up everything *, including program data.
* I would add one word here: regularly
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I also forgot to ask this:
