How to Backup a Computer Onto an External Hard Drive

Your computer can get full as you go on storing more files and folders. It is recommended to take a backup of all important data. An external storage device provides you with a backup along with saving space on your computer. An external hard drive enables you to store your data in a secure offsite location where it can be retrieved at any point of time.

Instructions

1. Assess the size of files you need for taking the backup. Files having graphics, sound and videos occupy more space than a simple text file.

2. Plan the future requirements and consider the space needed accordingly.

3. Choose an external drive to store data backups.

4. Get an external hard drive and connecting cables to attach the drive to your computer.

5. Select the data you want for backup. Organize the data into folders and sub-folders for easy find. Financial data, digital photos and music can form priority data for backup.

6. Connect the drive to your computer. Use the drag and drop options for taking the backup.

7. Remove the drive after properly ejecting by right clicking on the task bar on the desktop.

8. Keep the external drive away from the place where you have your computer when done. If your computer gets damaged due to any unforeseen reason, you will have your entire data safe in the external hard drive. It minimizes the risk of data loss.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a drive that has a larger capacity than the data you want for backup. This is for future backups.

• Check the durability of the external hard drive.

• Keep the external hard drive away from direct sunlight and intense heat.