How to Properly Backup a Computer

When it comes to protecting your pc from intruders and viruses, it can seem like a great idea. However, actually going through the proper process to backup all your computer files can seem like a difficult feat. This typically leaves most people without a backup as they just never get around to doing it. We assure you that backing up your pc is very easy to do if you follow our easy outline below.

There are two different methods that are typically used to back up a computer. The method you use will highly depend on the size of your files, what other devices you want to backup alongside your pc, and how you actually want to store your backup data. Let’s take a closer look at each method below and what the advantages and disadvantages of each are. This should give you a better idea of what’s going to work best for your individual pc needs.

Online Storage-Based Backup Method

This is a very simple option that is the quickest for non-computer friendly people. You basically pay an online storage provider to keep all of your backup data. Some commonly used online storage providers include Carbonite, iCloud, iDrive, Mozy, Google Drive, and SkyDrive. To properly back up computer you’ll need to choose one of these service providers that support the pc that you’re trying to store the data from.

Whatever provider you go with, they’ll likely have a downloadable application. This will allow you to easily install their storage solution onto your pc. The application will basically create a mirror copy of all your computer files. It requires a regular upstream of bandwidth as it updates your essential computer data to its online storage center.

Pros:

• Very Easy To Use
• Constant Backup Available
• Multiple Online Storage Providers To Choose From

Cons:

• Costs between $50 to $100 per device
• Requires access to upstream bandwidth
• Relying on safe keeping of data by online storage provider

External Hard Drive

This method is going to require a bit more work on your part. You’ll need to purchase an external hard drive that has the capacity to handle all of your pc files. With the use of the Windows built-in app, also known as the File Recovery Tool, you can create a system image to copy onto your external hard drive. With this method, you can set up your hard drive to update the files every day, week, or month.

Pros:

• You have a physical external hard drive with your files
• You don’t have to download online storage applications

Cons:

• Cost of external hard drive
• If damage is physical to your PC, the hard drive could be damaged too

To properly back up computer, you should be using a combination of both of these great methods. What the online storage solution fails at, the external hard drive solution picks up and visa versa. With a combination of both methods, you can drastically increase your chances of having an effective backup of your computer in the event that something goes wrong with your current version.

Step By Step Instructions For Using The Windows File Recovery Tool

The step by step instructions for backing up your pc files will vary slightly depending on what version of Windows your computer currently has. For the most part, you’ll be able to smoothly operate through your system to find the backup information. Here are some breakdowns to better assist you on your journey.

Windows 10

1. Open the start menu
2. Type backup into the search bar
3. Click on the backup and restore icon (This tool is located in the control panel)
4. Once the window opens, click create a system image

Windows 8

1. Open the start menu
2. Type file history in the search bar
3. Click on the file history icon
4. On the left side menu, click system image backup

Windows 7

1. Open the start menu
2. Click the right side arrow to the getting started icon
3. Click back up your files
4. Once the back up and restore window opens, click create a system image