On 09.09.14, In Backup of data can mean different things for different users! Not everyone needs to backup the same type of files. Some of the common types of files that need to be backed up are listed below.
Bank records and financial information
Banking software’s like Quicken, Microsoft Money etc can be configured in such a way that all the information that you entered till now is saved in a single file or inside a folder. Check the software manufacturer’s website to do it. Once it is done, keep a copy of that file on the external drive. Periodically backup the data file to incorporate the changes that you made recently.
Digital photographs
It is better to create a separate folder and put the photographs in that folder. For e.g., I have saved all my family photos in a folder named ‘Family Pics’ and then I created subfolders inside them to store photos taken during various occasions. In case if you are finding it difficult to find the pictures, use the windows search options and search for images only. Copy it to the external drive.
Software you purchased and downloaded from the Internet
Whenever I purchase anything online, I make it a point to store the software and all information including the product key on the external drive. This will save you lot of time and money in case the software needs to be re-installed.
MP3 files or videos and Music you purchased from the Internet
Move the music and video files to the external drive so that you will not loss your collection. Taking backup is particularly important if you purchase music online. Music online usually comes with a DRM (Digital Rights Management) For windows Vista, it is located in C:> Documents and Settings > All Users > DRM and for XP users, the default location is C: > ProgramData > Microsoft > Windows > DRM.In case if it is missing, search for the file.
Personal files
Files includes the word, excel and powerpoint files. By default, the files are located in “My Documents”. Copy the folder to external hard disk. In case if the files are copied in any other location, back it up.
If you use internet for checking mails, you are always safe as the information is online. For those who use mail software’s like Office Outlook, Outlook express, Eudora mail or Incredimail will have to back the data file. For more details refer to the manufacturer website or google for how to backup data for different software’s.
E-mail address book and Microsoft calendar
Just like the emails, you need to check manufacturer website or google to find how those data are stored by different software’s and which file needs to be backed up for getting the backup.
Internet Browser bookmarks
In Internet Explorer:
File > Import and Export > Next > Export Favorites > Next > Next Browse to the location where you want to save the bookmark.htm file.(Select the location for backup) Save > Next > Finish
In Firefox,
C:Documents and Settings> (your profile name)> Application Data > Mozilla > Firefox > Profiles > ati9z0wb.default.” ati9z0wb.default” will be different for different people. Inside the folder, there is a bookmark.html. Back up the file directly to external drive.
Database files
Check with the manufacturer or vendor regarding how and which files need to be backed up.
To know Why and How should you back up data, click here
