How do you back-up your computer's files?

[pink_candies]

I would like to back up all the files on my computer.
My questions are how do I do it, in relation to which media to use, and which files do I need to put onto the discs to ensure everything it recorded in case my computer suddenly dies and I need everything I originally had on my new computer?
Thankyou for your generous time and help.

[blutach]

I use ImgBurn's project feature.

Regards

[techreactor]

Are you talking about your personal data files or System/OS files ??

[ed klein]

Acronis true image 9.0.

Back up of the entire hard drive including the operating system on one DVD5 disk or DVD5 disk(s)

Acronis true image 9.0 can put the hard drive on a seperate partition called Acronis secure zone if you just make a mistake with the folders and files then recover with key f11 OR if the entire hard drive physically breaks you can recover after your replace the hard drive with the DVD5 disk(s) your build or the reboot disk you built.

Also, put all 29 download programs on this computer on CD-R disks if I loose the hard drive for faster recovery or re-installation.

[pink_candies]

Uhh... personal files?
I don't know.
Would I need System/OS files?

[katzdvd]

Uhh... personal files?
I don't know.
Would I need System/OS files?

You could use something like acronis, as ed mentioned, which will give you a complete full back-up, OS & all.

Or you could use the method of only backing up personal data files/ others that you created. A full system backup will allow you to restore the pc much faster in case of computer failure.

However, me personally, I just rely on sys. restore in win xp. I do back-up personal files, but backing up complete programs is not really necessary, if you have the original install disc.

If you want an easy solution without having to do the dreaded "reformat", a program such as acronis may be for you.

cheers, katz

[Gary D]

I use Retrospect 6.5. It came free with my external HD.

Here is a link to the company: http://www.dantz.com/en/products/70_launch.dtml

I do not use the continuous backup feature but just the "duplicate" feature.
I clear my drive of movies, jpegs, etc. and take a "picture" of the drive.

But before doing that, I scan the drive for viruses & spyware (4 different programs). I then run CCleaner and Registry Mechanic. Then I defrag the drive. Then I run the duplicate feature.

I try to do this once a month BUT I got lazy and quit doing it.

I paid the price when I thought my computer had crashed. Thank heavens it was only the PSU (power supply unit) and no data was lost.

This taught me to be more vigilant about doing this.

Practise safe hex!!

[road_rascal]

I have an external 200GB hard drive that's only used for backup of personal stuff (photos, music, word documents, etc). I only plug it in when I transfer files which is about once every two weeks so I think the drive should last a lifetime. I also burn files to a DVD once every six months.