How to Back Up Your Hard Drive

CDs are one type of media you can back up your files on.

Always make sure that you back up your hard drive in case the worst happens. Should your computer be attacked by a virus that deletes your favorite photos or ruins your hard drive, your backup allows for a quick and easy restoration of your lost files once you've removed the virus. Avoid that terrible feeling of losing a file, or possibly everything, by backing up your hard drive on a regular basis.

Instructions

1. Determine how much space you need. The first step in backing up your hard drive is to figure out how much space you will need to back up all of your files. You can do this in a couple of ways.

   Find out how large the hard drive is on your computer first to see if you can back up the whole thing. Click on "My Computer," right-click the "C" drive and select "Properties." This shows the approximate size of your hard drive, how much space is actually taken, plus the space used by your operating system. If your hard drive size is manageable (the space actually taken), back up the whole thing.

   Your second option is to create a file called "Backup" and copy all of your important files into it. Right-click on the folder once everything is copied over and choose "Properties" to find out the size of the folder. This is how much space you will need to back up your important files only.

2. Choose a backup method. Choose either an external hard drive, data disks (CDs, for example) or use an online backup service. There are advantages and disadvantages to all. An external drive is convenient because you can plug it into other computers and immediately transfer or copy files without needing the Internet or having to worry at all about security. However you have to carry the drive with you and always face the remote possibility that both your computer and the hard drive would break. Data disks provide the same advantages and disadvantages as external hard drives: portability, but the possibility of theft or breakage.

   You can also use an online backup service. These services range in price depending on the amount of storage. The advantage of an online service is that you can access your files from anywhere there is Internet, and it is generally cheaper, especially for small amounts of service. Also, you don't need to carry or store another piece of equipment. The disadvantage is your backup is stored on the service's external server, so security is a potential issue.

3. Back up your files. Once you have chosen your method of backup, do not forget the most important step: back up your files. For external media, go into "My Computer" and double-click the "C" drive to open it. Select all the files if backing up your entire hard drive, or select your "Backup" folder if just backing up your important files. Holding your "CTRL" key, drag your selected files to your back up source, either your external hard drive or data disk drive. Release your mouse button and "CTRL" key and allow the files to be copied onto your backup media.

   If you choose an online backup service to back up your hard drive, follow the provider's instructions to backup your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Back up regularly to ensure you save everything. Some operating systems allow you to schedule regular automatic backups rather than having to perform the back up manually.

• Prepare for more space than you initially need, so you can add files as you upgrade computers or add more photos/music. If you plan on storing a lot of media (photos, videos, music) make sure to have a lot of space since those are large files.

• This is also a great way to free up some memory on your computer so it runs faster. Store your largest files in an online service area or an external drive and your computer will run better.

• Make sure to choose a secure online service if you choose the online option.

References

• "Popular Mechanics" Magazine; How to Back Up Your Computer's Hard Drive and Software Read more: How to Back Up Your Computer's Hard Drive and Software; Cyrus Farivar; October 2009