How Do I Back Up My Computer?
A backup is an extra copy of important files that you can use if the computer fails, is lost, is damaged, or files are accidentally deleted. A backup is different from simply keeping the only copy of a file in another folder on the same computer.
What’s happening?
A backup is a second copy of your important files. Without one, a computer problem could leave your photos, documents, and other important files difficult or impossible to recover.
Why backups matter
- Important files exist in only one place.
- The computer could fail, be lost, or be damaged.
- Photos and documents may be difficult to replace if they are lost.
What does backing up your computer mean?
A backup is a separate copy of your important files. If your computer stops working, is damaged, lost, or infected, a backup can help you recover your information.
A backup is especially important for pictures, personal documents, financial records, and other files you cannot easily replace.
Simply having files on your computer is not a backup. If the computer’s hard drive fails, files stored only on that computer could be lost.
What should I back up?
Consider backing up:
- Family pictures and videos
- Important documents
- Tax and financial records
- Work or school files
- Important downloads
- Other personal files you would be upset to lose
You normally do not need to manually copy Windows or your installed programs as part of a basic personal-file backup. Focus on the pictures, documents, and other personal files you would not want to lose.
Things you can safely try
- Decide what files are important.
- Use an external drive or a trusted cloud backup service.
- Make sure the backup actually completed.
- Check the backup occasionally.
- Keep important backups separate from the computer.
Start with the information you would have the hardest time replacing.
An external hard drive or SSD can provide a separate copy of your files. Cloud backup can provide another option.
Do not assume that plugging in a drive automatically means your files were backed up.
Try opening a few backed-up pictures or documents to make sure the files are actually there.
If your backup drive stays connected all the time, certain problems—including some malware—could potentially affect both the computer and the backup.
Stop here
If you are unsure what should be backed up or are worried about deleting the wrong files, stop and get help.
Still having trouble?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
LoTyde Tech Assistance provides friendly, patient technology help for residents throughout Indiana County and surrounding communities.
If you’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps and still need help, we’re here to help.
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