How to Back Up Software Programs

Keep data on your external hard drive.

Many software programs come on compact discs, leaving you with a reliable backup in the case of a computer crash. Downloading programs from the Internet has become an increasingly viable option, however, leaving many people without a backup of their software programs. Luckily, you can easily back up any data on your computer, including software, using a flash drive or external hard drive. Backing up data also makes it easier to change computers in the future.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Flash drive or external hard drive

1. Turn on your computer and locate the software you wish to back up.

2. Plug your flash drive or external hard drive into the USB port of your computer. The flash drive icon should display on your desktop in the My Computer or Finder window.

3. Open a new My Computer or Finder window and double-click on the flash drive or external hard drive icon.

4. Drag and drop or copy and paste software into the flash drive window.

5. Allow the software to transfer and right-click on the flash or external hard drive icon. Click "Eject." After the icon disappears from the computer, remove the flash or external hard drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Many pieces of software require an activation code to run on your computer. Save a file with the important codes for your software on your computer or with your backup programs. Alternatively, write the codes on a piece of paper and tape it to your computer or keep it in another safe place.

References

• Sound on Sound: What's the Best Way to Transfer Software to My New PC?
• Argentuma: Backup Software