Backup!!

[Casey H]

Hi It's been discussed a lot before on these pages how important it is to backup all your PC files on a regular basis. We start to take for granted that our PC's will always be healthy. I am one who always stresses this with my family, etc. BUT I hadn't followed my own advice for at least a few months.The other night I started my computer and got the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. Nothing I did would allow me to boot and, needless to say, I was having a mini-heart attack. Luckily, after some google research, I found out how to resolve the issue (7 hours of a "chkdsk" without knowing if it would do the trick!), was able to boot, and back up all my files. I am in the process of restoring my PC to health.So, just a reminder... BACK UP YOUR FILES!! I keep all my data files (music, word docs, etc) in folders under My Documents. That way I can backup My Documents to an external USB hard drive and get it all. Other important things: Learn how to back up your email (e.g. Outlook or Outlook Express). That includes, emails, contacts, and account settings. This can be tricky for the novice, so you may want to buy an inexpensive software package that does this. BTW, Outlook is much easier than Outlook Express to back up, so use that for email if it is on your PC.Most browsers such as Internet Explorer have a tool to back up your favorites (a.k.a. bookmarks").So...Back up all your data files.Back up your email, contacts, and account settingsBack up your INTERNET favoritesAnother note:If you ever download software on-line, for free or by purchase, you should save the downloaded install file somewhere under My Documents also. This way these install files will also be backed up with My Documents.This is all very techie for some, so you may want to research software that does this for you. Suggestions from others very welcome here on this thread! Casey

[zink]

Glad to hear everything worked out....and don't forget to make hard copies (on DVD) to store at a remote location. This way your safe in case of fire, theft...z