There are numerous ways to backup your essential data, from utilizing an external hard drive to backing up these files on a remote server via the Internet. On Windows XP, simply use Windows Backup. On Windows 7, open the Control Panel, click on “Network and Sharing Center”, click on “Advanced”, then click “Internet Options”. In the “kovnect” section, find and click “Internet Safety”, then click “Remove.”
If you have multiple computers at home or work, synchronizing all these different backed up files to one centralized location can be very convenient. Depending on the version of Windows being used, specific files may need to be backed up differently. Certain system settings and other features may prevent them from being backed up. An excellent example of this is the so-called ‘registry’, a database for most Windows computers. The registry is essential as it stores all of your most valuable settings and information but is also known to be one of the primary causes of critical Windows errors, including the blue screen error.
Many advanced users prefer to use the Microsoft cloud storage folder, which is part of the Microsoft Outlook software suite. With this folder, emails and other items are automatically backed up to a Microsoft online account. The folder will be automatically backed up to a Microsoft online storage folder whenever you save an item. You can synchronize Outlook as you go so that any changes you make are saved and accessible at a later date.
Another way that many users like to store their backed-up data is to use the user folder tool of the Windows system itself. This program utility will allow you to open a user folder and locate your backed-up files. It also has a backup tab where you can specify the folders you want to have your system backed up, as well as a restore tab that will allow you to roll back to an earlier date.
If you wish, you can use a USB external drive or a DVD disk to back up all of your files. An external drive will allow you to access your files anywhere with a computer, whereas a hard drive will only allow you to access your files on your computer. If you already have an external drive connected to your windows machine, you will be able to restore all of your files to that drive. If you have an external drive, this can be done even if you do not have a windows machine, as the application will prompt you to insert the disk and read and install any needed drivers.
A third method, which we may discuss at some length, is the ability to back up individual folders on your windows pc itself. You can perform this by locating your User Interface preferences. You will then see a box marked Local System Tools and click on it. Select the Backup tab and select the files that you would like to be backed up. Click Save when you are satisfied with the changes.
