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Backup, What is a Backup, Make a Backup, Backup


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Didn't have a "send to" cd-drive option?

Created one by using the microsoft link.

But when I tried to "send to" cd-drive I got an error message "Problem with shortcut" The drive or network connection that the shortcut 'cd drive.lnk' refers to is unavailable. Make sure that the disk is properly inserted or the network source is available,and try again :huh:

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What software are you using to create your backup? What operating system are you using?

I made a Backup to a floppy

A single floppy? On my machine a full system backup would use 135,920,382 floppies, or so I am told by the software. Even a factor of 10 or 100 awry would make it totally impractical.

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Ah, I see.

I think that the simple backup to floppy was intended as an illustration of what a backup is and does rather than a practical demonstration of how a backup is done in the real world.

I assume that you don't have any commercial backup software and are relying on the one installed in Windows. In the case of XP Pro, Windows Backup is installed by default so go to Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Backup. The Windows backup wizard should appear after it has looked for backup devices. Answer the questions about what to backup and type of backup. At one point you will be asked for a destination. The first choice will be floppy and you will be told to insert a disk. Cancel that and click on Browse to choose your destination in the normal way. After that follow the instructions to make the backup and allow it to do it for you.

I would strongly urge you to get familiar with doing backups and then do them on a regular basis. You may never need to use one but, like insurance, it's comforting to know that its there if you should need it. By Murphy's Law if you don't have a backup, that's the time you will need one most. When you are used to doing backups, it comes as a sort of second nature and you don't give it much thought - you can even schedule Windows to do backups for you on a regular basis so you don't have to think about doing it.

Please, though, get your backups organised. I have seen countless examples of people's information lost forever in a fatal computer crash just because they didn't, for whatever reason - usually apathy or the thought: "it can never happen to me" - make a backup.

"It can never happen to me"?????????????????? Yes it can and it will one day if you don't have a backup.

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Thanks for your in depth reply..

Yes the floppy was just for a test..

I know the importance of backup,that is my main reason of wanting to get it sorted asap...I have seen too many people with lost information...

I did try as you suggested,but when I went from the option of saving to floppy and tried to save to cd or dvd (with blank cd and dvd in respective drives) I got a message stating G:\is not accessible incorrect funtion (cd drive)

and F:\is not accessible incorrect function (dvd drive)

Would suitable commericial backup software (as you mentioned) sort this problem out somehow?

I just can't seem to get anywhere at the moment..

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Well, my setup is that I use DriveImage 7 to do a weekly full system backup to a separate hard drive installed in my computer. I also do a daily files and data backup using the intrinsic Windows Backup, again to another hard drive.

Drive Image will allow you to back up to virtually anywhere you want and this latest version is extremely easy to use by working from Windows (older versions booted into DOS which some people find very alarming!).

Drive Image is well worth the (fairly) small cash outlay.

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With DI7 all the "sending to" is done from within the program. You don't use the Windows "send to " facility. If you can't "send to" at all, there is something amiss with your windows setup.

Regarding DI 7, I have used it since the very early versions and always found it did as it was supposed to do. I have not used its main rival, Norton Ghost as I have a "thing" about Norton products (although I understand that Powerquest, the makers of DI, have been taken over by Norton :( ). I have tried Acronis - it was OK but I came back to DriveImage.

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Sorry if I am asking the obvious... but did you follow these instructions to create your send to destination??

To add a destination to the Send To menu

Open My Computer.

Double-click the drive where Windows is installed (usually drive C, unless you have more than one drive on your computer).

If you can't see the items on your drive when you open it, under System Tasks, click Show the contents of this drive.

Double-click the Documents and Settings folder.

Double-click the folder of a specific user.

Double-click the SendTo folder.

The SendTo folder is hidden by default. If it is not visible, on the Tools menu, click Folder Options. On the View tab, click Show hidden files and folders.

On the File menu, point to New, and then click Shortcut.

Follow the instructions on your screen.

Note

To open My Computer, click Start, and then click My Computer.

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Please take careful note: The trial version of DI7 available on the website is not fully functional and only goes through the motions of the operation and does NOT make a real backup.

I'm telling you this because an acquaintance gave me a real rollocking once complaining tha DI was useless as it didn't make backups when it turned out that he was expecting the free demo software to do the whole thing for him.

Personally, I wouldn't be without DI and now the 7 version operating from within Windows is available, it is even better.

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I have paid my dosh and got DI7 from another PCworld branch...

I have done the install,but this bit "testing the PQRE" and the mention of BIOS :(

Maybe if I was to get past this PQRE bit it might be easier (for a novice) :blink:

Well must get the lottery done see if I can recoup money spent today?

Will be back on later to see if by magic it has sorted itself out :rolleyes:

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Do I not have boot first without the cd in,then enter setup,then highlight cd drive,move it to the top..exit,save changes,then exit..Then reboot with cd in? (I'm only reading this) I'm far from an expert..

What will happen if I do as you suggest without doing the first part?

I thought this was going to be a breeze!!

More like a gale force wind...

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You'll have to have the CD in anyway so you might as well pop it in now.

Then restart and tap the DELETE key. Then this where you will have to use a bit of gut and naviagte to the boot section of your BIOS change that First Boot Device to CD-ROM.

From what it seems, you'll have to to highlight First boot device, then hit enter, press the page up to change it to CD-ROM, EXIT and save the change...

As the CD is already in, the computer will look for a a CD that is bootable, press any key and she'll boot from the CD.

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