Back Up Your Computers

[Flounder]

I have an external hard drive that, with EMC Retrospect, I use to back up my laptop. I backed it up four days ago, after not doing it since March.

Fast forward to today. I always have Windows Update on automatic. I received a notification that files were ready and to install. I clicked okay. They installed and prompted me to restart. I did.

On restart, my registry was corrupt. I forget the exact message, but it wasn't one of the errors listed on the MS site that explains how to attempt to fix the registry. I called my brother, who admittedly is more computer savvy than I am.

At this point, I'm nearly losing my mind because everything, from photos to my bar exam-secure exam software is on it (and they only allow one install, and if it fails, you write it).

After talking with my brother a little, we decided to do an OS install on top of the current one to pull any files added since the last backup. After that, we did a full reformat and hoped that the external HD had it all. Thank God, it did--it reinstalled over the reformatted OS and added everything back (I've heard of backups failing too often, and wasn't content at all during the process). After I rebooted, it took a little time to load (I assume the HD has to be defragged from dropping 30GB on it).

Two good things did come out of it, though. First, I turned off Automatic Updates. From next Wednesday until bar exam results are released, this computer is not going to be used for anything at all. Second, my folks and brother finally decided on a belated graduation gift (not that I need or want one--I told them that their support from birth to now was enough, and I really feel that way)--a MacBook Pro. I've wanted to go back to a Mac for the longest time. When it broke, my folks were here for a short visit, and I guess they saw the look of despair on my face. I'm lucky--both with the computer and good family. All's well that ends well, I suppose.

 

[Rick]

Keep an off site copy of your HD as well... If your place ever burns, or is destroyed in a tornado, a backup located in the house isn't going to be worth much.

 

[Flounder]

Rick:

How do I do that? Are there IP services that allow off-site? I'm not that technically skilled with computers.

 

[Evil Eye]

You can use a web service like Amazon S3, which is raw storage that you can use however you wish (targeted more for businesses) or here are a few alternatives targeted at the consumer space, which are just as easy to use as iTunes...
1. BT Digital Vault
2. IDrive
3. Jungle Disk

 

[Tbars4]

...This brings up a new question...:scratch:...I was just notified yesterday by update that the SP3 is ready to be installed on my computer ...I declined since it was over 30GB and after reading the advanced info I was skeptical (sp) to say the least..

...This size of the update is ridiculous (sp) not counting that my 60GB laptop is already loaded with way to much MS updates taking up space...

...Has anybody else downloaded this update???

 

[Willard]

...This brings up a new question...:scratch:...I was just notified yesterday by update that the SP3 is ready to be installed on my computer ...I declined since it was over 30GB and after reading the advanced info I was skeptical (sp) to say the least..

...This size of the update is ridiculous (sp) not counting that my 60GB laptop is already loaded with way to much MS updates taking up space...

...Has anybody else downloaded this update???

No. I wouldn't download it either.

My dad who is a computer programmer tells me not to, it will cause more problems than it fixes. I don't remember all the reasons he gave me, but he's always right about these things

 

[Pensa]

I use a lot of DVD/CD"s to back up information such as files and pictures. I use the re-writable disks which work just like a hard drive in that you can add, delete and re-formate if the information on them is no longer useful.

The problem I had with re-installing Windows was it wouldn't let me, I would get the message "newer version installed, can't install". It is such a pain to have to re-formate and reload all the drivers and programs.

I solved that problem by cloning the disk to an older drive I had. In the event I have a failure I can re-formate and clone the old drive to the new one. That saves a lot of time and effort.

 

[Hokie]

Crap.. I just downloaded SP3 yesterday b/c my laptop told me too.

I didn't even see that it was 30 GB! I must have ZERO space left on my hard drive! (Backing up TONIGHT!)

 

[Rick]

I'm sorry I never got back to you on this Adam

What I do is keep two separate backup drives. I paid $89 for a 160gb at Office Max recently, so they're not too expensive. I keep one at my parents place in Phoenix and swap it out with the one I have at home about once a month.

 

[Rick]

I installed SP3 on three machines, two laptops, and one desktop with no problem. I have heard of problems like Adam's though, so it problems can happen.

 

[snoborder42]

I finally got around to backing up my computer today... Picked up a 160 gb external drive at Fry's for $75... Way too much space for what I needed but it should last me a while.

SP3 sucked up the last space on my HDD too...

 

[Chainblade]

i'm not sure why you guys SP3 update is like 30GB. that's insane. have you not done any windows updates in a long long time or something? I work in IT and have installed SP3 on all the machines (including my personal machines at home) and have not had a single problem with SP3. But like any update, it's possible for it to fail on your system.

I have an external hard drive that backs up everyday. They are cheap so I would suggest to get one.

 

[MustangP51]

Service pack 3 for Windows XP is only 316 Megabytes. I always install service packs off of an external drive in case the internet connection is ever interrupted. I have been running the Release Candidate for SP3 for months and have not had any problems. Don't use automatic updates to install SP3. Use the link below to download the IT SP3 Installer, then When its done downloading close all your programs then run the installer.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

 

[JTX]

Ya theres no way its 30gigs. lol

 

[Blee1099]

I personally do a image of my system once a month using Acronis true image.. Store it remotely on my server so in case I need to use it I have a 2nd copy other than the copy made at the time I started the image.

 

[briwayjones]

I personally do a image of my system once a month using Acronis true image..

I use Acronis also. It's saved my butt a couple of times now.

 

[briwayjones]

Keep an off site copy of your HD as well... If your place ever burns, or is destroyed in a tornado, a backup located in the house isn't going to be worth much.

Something else you can do at least if you can't keep an off site copy very easy is get a small firesafe from Home Depot or somewhere to keep your backup disks in, important paperwork too.

 

[IAmTodd]

I use Time Machine. I have never had to use it to restore. I occasionally use SuperDuper to copy the entire drive to make restoring even easier if something happens. I bought my Mac to leave behind situations like yours.

 

[Chainblade]

I use Time Machine. I have never had to use it to restore. I occasionally use SuperDuper to copy the entire drive to make restoring even easier if something happens. I bought my Mac to leave behind situations like yours.

ya time machine is awesome. I have a Macbook Pro for work (that I find I use at home more than my PCs). I'm surprised Microsoft hasn't tried real hard to get a good backup solution. System Restore? File and Settings Transfer Wizard? Sorry, those aren't backup solutions, Microsoft.

 

[IAmTodd]

Yea, System Restore is a joke. I disable it on my computers. I find with Windows, any problems are only fully solved with a format/re-install. With Windows I would normally re-install every 6-8 months because of slow downs, issues. I'm still going strong on my factory installed 10.5 for 9 months with no issues.