What computer files to back up -- and how to do it

Thu Apr 2, 2009 4:57PM EDT

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If you're backing up anything -- whether you're copying to an external hard drive, optical disc, or over the web -- you're ahead of the game, but for most people, backing up their files usually amounts to making a copy of the My Documents folder and calling it quits.

But there's lots more you can -- and should -- back up than just your documents, pictures, and music. And today Killer Tech Tips offers suggestions on how to improve the comprehensiveness of your backup by showing you six things you probably never thought about backing up before -- and how to get the job done painlessly.

Some highlights:

> Your webmail - Readers regularly ask me how to back up their webmail account and I normally tell them to use a POP client (like Outlook or Thunderbird) to download their mail to their local computer, leaving a copy on the web. Boom, instant backup. If you have Gmail there's an easier way if you use this utility: Gmail Backup. Yahoo! Mail users may also try YPOPs! to do a similar thing, though I have never tried it.

> Your cell phone - Losing a cell phone often means a massive headache of recreating your contacts, calendar items, and other information from scratch. Nokia users can follow this backup guide, and I know similar tools exist for other model cell phones (do a little searching based on your phone's manufacturer and "backup"). I'll also add that numerous SIM card readers are available on the market which are designed specifically to let you backup your cell phone data with the push of a button. (They're widely available online; here's a good example.)

> Your drivers - If you've ever had to reinstall Windows from a Microsoft CD, you know what a pain it can be to find all the drivers you need to keep your computer running. The easier way: Back up the drivers before you reinstall with DriverMax.

> Your bookmarks - You can use an automatic bookmark syncing tool like Xmarks, or back them up by hand periodically. (In Firefox, go to Bookmarks > Organize Bookmarks > Import and Backup. In IE, File > Import and Export > Export to a file > Favorites.)

I'll also add: Don't forget to backup any email you store locally on your PC, no matter what provider it's from. A lot of people think just backing up the My Documents folder will also save their email, but that's not the case.

Check out the full backup story here!

Comments on What computer files to back up -- and how to do it

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  • 2 Posted by marcravey on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:06PM EDT Report Abuse

    You don't have to do any of that on Yahoo,as i had to install a new hard drive and re load my computer with my backup from carbonite.Carbonite does not keep email accounts.All you have to do is re-enter your password and e-mail address from yahoo and everything is still in all your folders.so no need to back up

  • 3 Posted by aa4mw on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:43PM EDT Report Abuse

    One of my "pet peeves" is th efact that many backups will ONLY backup what they consider "data" files! I run several apps that use binary files for libraries etc. and have lost my entire 14Gb library due to this limitation. The "official" explanation is that they want to cut down piracy - sigh.

  • 4 Posted by ky_racefan3 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:55PM EDT Report Abuse

    As usual,a very informative and useful article Chris. I will own a SIM card reader by this weekend !! Thanks

  • 5 Posted by stussymo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:46PM EDT Report Abuse

    Verizon offers a backup service to its customers. Some customers qualify for free while others may pay .99/mo. This backs up your contacts everyday and provides a web-interface to view & edit your contacts if desired.

  • 6 Posted by cozmikmif on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    mac + time capsule backing up is so easy its not even a habit, it is literally automatic. saved my data from disaster on 2 occasions so far.

  • 7 Posted by your.akin on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    I CAN MAKE NEW FRIEND.SOMEONE WANTS TO B MY NEW FRIEND TAKE MY EMAIL ADRESS.

  • 8 Posted by gil_nye on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:09PM EDT Report Abuse

    You would think we would have backups down by now. On a PC, use a image software that can restore everything, data, executables, drivers, and operating system. In the UNIX world it is referred to a bare metal backup and in the MS or MAC world it is a image backup. I know of two commercial versions for home about $50. Tax season is over with, do you know where your tax files are; not with the data. Get the imaging software.

  • 9 Posted by mymysticcrow on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    great info, but please incorporate aa4mw's comment from Fri Apr 3, 2009 at 12:47pm into your article. what aa4mw is talking about is a CATASTROPHE for any tech savvy researcher or writer. a lot of applications used by researchers, writers, et al use binary file types to keep records of what they referenced, collect data used to create citations in the format (APA/MLA/et cetera) you specify, actually make the citation, et cetera. to clarify the issue, picture doing the research for a paper and realizing after the fact that you need a certain piece of information but you didn't keep the source. you can go back to the file i'm referring to and FIND that source. furthermore, a program that creates citations so the work cited page in your paper is accurate is great. cuts down the amount of monotonous work that goes into writing a paper.

  • 10 Posted by xocoach92804 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    Carbonite is by far the best deal out there. I have myself set up as a contact in Yahoo mail with all my passwords. I'm not computer savy enough to comment on binary files, but you can ask their tech support online before purchasing the service.

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