PCinfospace

Periodically we need to get ourselves a new computer. We also may need to transfer data from the old one to the new computer. Another reason is to backup or copy our data.

Ways to back up data

• Connect an external USB hard drive to a USB port.
• If you have a second drive installed in your computer you could use it.
• On line storage.  This is normally a website that either automatically backs up your new data or you can do it manually.
• Network storage.  Many companies (if not all) use this means of storage.  The backups are normally automated and back up at a given time sequence.
• Technician backups – some small companies hire somebody to back their data up for them.
• Outsourcing. This is getting more popular. Some outside firm is assigned to do backups and maybe all tech support.

These are some of the ways. If you just want to simply transfer one file or folder many people now use USB thumb drives.  This saves resources and the cost of using a disk. Some thumb drives are as big as 16 gigabyte. If you are on a network you can use the transfer method the company allows you to use.

What about tape drives?

I have seen a few companies still using this method. However,  if you use a USB external drive it is extremely faster, can store more data, and retrieve it instantly. It has far more data integrity also. A tape drive takes much longer to retrieve data and the tapes can go bad much faster.  It is known that these tapes will fail you when you need them the most. They also have a much shorter life span.

One touch drives

These drives are just how they sound.  They can be set up so that you can just touch a button and it will back up whatever you have told it to. This is great for small companies. These drives keep coming down in price also.

Emergencies and Catastrophes

This is exactly why you need to know what files to move and how to move them. If there is a problem, you will hope you transferred all the necessary data to the right place.

THE BIG THING is that it is off site.  Many people do not take this step and pay for it later.  A simple way is to use two USB drives.  Every month (or what you decide) you take one to a safety deposit box or some other off site location. You can also use a rewritable disk if you have a good way to cut one. Another new way is to back them up or move them to an internet backup site. These aren’t real expensive and may save you some day.

One more way

You can do a mirror image of the drive.  You will need special software such as Norton Ghost.  If you use this method you can literally replace your entire computer hard drive if something goes wrong.  This can also be used if you need to transfer your data to a different hard drive for any reason. Some older drives are small and run out of space quickly. This will move any and all programs, and files you had. Do not use this method if you have viruses.  You will only transfer the viruses.

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As I am writing this article new laws are being made that will prevent people from throwing computers, monitors and other components in the trash. Be sure what you are allowed to do in your area.

Computer repair services also may include deciding a computer is uneconomically repairable. This simply means that the cost of repair exceeds the cost of replacement. In that case the computer owner needs to take action to properly dispose of the computer. If you have a Goodwill store or other recycling outlet in your area you can take it there and they will do the rest.

What to do before you recycle it

Every area of the country is different when it comes to recycling  computers and computer equipment. Check your local ordinances.  Sometimes you can get fined or arrested if you dispose of this equipment illegally.  For example, you may need to separate plastic components from steel.

The main thing to do is remove any parts you may need for the new computer or that you can use as a spare part in the future. Maybe you need the CD-ROM or Memory chips.  However, you MUST remove your personal data from your hard drive. Why? If you do not remove your personal data you could become a victim of identity theft. You may have your name and address and even you contact information in either your e-mail or some other program.  Even worse they might be able to log into your bank account.  Thieves are out there just waiting for you to make this mistake.

How can you sure your information is removed?

You need to reformat the drive.  Some computers come with restore disks and others have a key you can push when you first start the computer.  In any case you need to be sure any data you want to keep is backed up on another drive or storage media. Once you start restoring the hard drive all data will be removed and you will not be able to get it back. Although there are possibilities to still get some of your information off, most people will not know how to and will not have the necessary tools to do it with.  If you have very sensitive records (medical, criminal or other) you will need to have somebody use a special program that will obliterate any data that may be on the hard drive.

Are there other ways?

Yes! You could totally remove the hard drive.  However, you need to remember that your personal data may still be on it.  Either get somebody to destroy the information or make sure the drive is marked so you don’t loose it. You can still use it in another computer or as a backup drive.

What if I want to sell the old computer?

If you plan to give away or sell your old computer you definitely need to make sure all personal data is off the hard drive. This is the single biggest mistake people make when they get rid of an old computer.  If you don’t know how to get rid of personal information find somebody that can do it for you.

I may have sounded repetitious about being sure your personal data is not on the hard drive.  This was intentional.  Even after all the warnings,  people still make this huge mistake.

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Some computers come with restore disks.  Some manufacturers require you to make your own disk set and yet others have a restore sector.  If it has a restore sector you will need to push the F10 or other key.  This will lead your through the process.

You need to take three deep breaths and ask yourself what you don’t want to lose.  Did you back up your precious data and pictures?

WARNING!  Do not do this if you are not familiar with the process.  PLEASE!!  Take it to a professional immediately.   Do not wait.   If a virus has taken your computer down it will only make it worse to constantly reboot or to try to use  restore disk or sector.

You will most likely need to remove your hard drive and put it on a “good” computer.  You can either put it on as a second drive or (if you have the equipment) attach it to the USB port of the good computer.  You can purchase enclosures and other necessary equipment on numerous web sites.

Once you have attached the drive you should see it appear as a drive letter in My Computer.  If not the drive may actually be bad.

What do I restore, and how do I do it?

• You need to go to My Documents in the drive and copy the entire directory to the computer your on or another device such as a USB external drive.
• Pictures – Although most pictures are saved in My Pictures by default,  you need to copy any other pictures you have saved in other locations.
• Music- This is also saved under My Music automatically.  Copy from other locations if you have them.
• You can copy all of the Bookmarks (called Favorites in Internet Explorer) you have saved for your browser.
• This is big!!!  Back up your mail if you’re running an application on your computer such as Outlook or Outlook Express.  These programs have specific ways to back up data so be sure you do this properly or you will loose what you have.
• If you have saved anything important on your desktop copy that also.

Once you are sure you have backed up everything you need, be sure you have all the programs you have put on yourself.  If you are using a restore disk or sector,  the programs that originally came with the computer should be back once you’re done.

Exceptions

If you do not have the restore disk,  or a restore sector,  you will not have any programs of any kind once you reload the operating system.  This is because you have to use a regular program disk.  You MUST have a legal copy of the particular program (such as Window Vista) and you MUST have a legal key code (License).  It is illegal to use a copy!

What else needs to be done?

These are the biggest things people forget.  You MUST activate the product.   If you do not,  it will expire 30 days after you load it.  You need to be sure all drivers are loaded.   This includes,  but is not limited to,  the sound and video drivers.   You need to go to my Computer,  right click it and go to properties.   Then,  click on the hardware tab,  and the Device Manager Box.  Look to see if there are any explanation or question marks.   If so correct them.   If not,  your ready to go.

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