Backing Up Data

Submitted by idolp on Thu, 02/26/2009 - 12:12

Back Up Personal Files

Record Data with Roxio Creator (Vista)

Record Data with RecordNow (Windows XP)

Determine the Best Backup Option for You

Backing Up Personal Data/Files

You are responsible for making backups of personal data/files stored on the ThinkPad.

Why back up my data/files?

Files and data can be lost through viruses, accidental deletion, hardware failure, or theft of the computer. Backups will reduce the impact of such occurrences. In addition, if you are bringing the ThinkPad to Information Systems for ThinkPad exchange or repairs, your data must be backed up prior to service.

How often should I back up my data/files?

A good rule of thumb is to back up your data/files whenever you have done enough work that you would not want to re-create it if your changes were lost. Also, data/files should be backed up before the junior ThinkPad exchange. Always back up your data before you bring the ThinkPad to the Service Desk walk-in area for repairs.

What type of storage device should I use?

CD-R, DVD-R, USB keys and external hard drives are all options that can be used to back up your data.  Note that CD/DVD-RW and CD/DVD+R discs may not be readable on all computers and are not recommended.

How do I make a backup?

Roxio Creator (Vista) or RecordNow (Windows XP) software is installed on the ThinkPad to write your files to a CD-R or DVD-R. A CD-R holds 650-800 MB of data/files and takes up to 20 minutes to burn. A DVD-R holds 4.7 GB of data/files and takes up to 60 minutes to burn. The College Bookstore carries CD-Rs and DVD-Rs.

Vista

Using Roxio Creator to Create a Backup of Your Files to a CD or DVD

  • Close all programs and files.
  • Open Roxio Creator.
  • Insert a blank, recordable CD or DVD into the CD/DVD drive.
  • Navigate to the WFUT4002009 folder.
  • Click Burn button at the top of the folder.
  • When prompted, name the disc and click Next.
  • The disc will be created.  Depending on the amount of data, it may take several minutes.
    When confronted with a File In Use message, click Skip button. (If you closed all programs and files before the backup process begins, File in Use refers to files running in the background by Vista that cannot be and do not need to be backed up.)
  • On the desktop, double-click the Computer folder.
  • Right-click on the CD/DVD drive.
  • Click Close session.
  • Right-click again on the CD/DVD drive.
  • Click Eject disc.

Contact the Service Desk if you have questions about making a backup of your data.

To Restore files on Your Hard Drive from your CD/DVD Backup:

  • Insert burned CD or DVD into CD/DVD drive.
  • Double-click Computer icon on the desktop.
  • Double click the CD/DVD.
  • Select all files on the CD/DVD.
  • Select the Edit menu.
  • Click Copy.
  • Click Start menu.
  • Click to open the WFUT4002009 folder.
  • Select the Edit menu.
  • Click Paste.
  • When prompted, allow all folders/files to be overwritten.

Using Windows Expolorer to Create a Backup of Your Files to an External Hard Drive

  • Close all programs and files.
  • Click the Start menu.
  • Click Computer.
  • Double-click on T400 (C:)
  • Locate and double-click on Users folder.
  • Locate and right-click on WFUT4002009 folder.
  • Click Copy.
  • Close the window.

Make sure the external hard drive is plugged in. Note: Close the AutoPlay window if it appears.

  • Click Start menu.
  • Click Computer.
  • Locate and right-click on your external hard drive (most likely drive E: ).
  • Click Paste.
  • A small dialog box will appear, displaying time remaining. Depending on the amount of data, it may take several minutes.
  • If errors about files appear, click Skip for all boxes. (If you closed all programs and files before the backup process begins, File in Use refers to files running in the background by Vista that cannot be and do not need to be backed up.)

Contact the Service Desk if you have questions about making a backup of your data.

Windows XP
Using RecordNow  to Create a Backup of Your Files

RecordNow has the ability to span backups across multiple CDs or DVDs. Below are instructions for recording data to one disc and recording data that spans multiple discs. The ThinkPad will write to both CD-R (preferred) or CD-RW, and DVD-R (preferred) or DVD+R.

Recording Data

  • Begin by inserting a blank disc into the drive.
  • In the navigation pane on the left, click on Data to expand the data options, then click Data Disc.
  • Use the Add Data button to add files to the list for backup or drag and drop folders onto this window.
  • If backups exceed 700MB on a CD or 4.7GB on a DVD, a note indicating the number of blank media required to back up the selected data will appear on the lower left of the screen.
  • Press the red button in the lower right corner of the screen to begin writing the data to the disc.
  • You will be asked to confirm the number of disks that will be required for the project. Click YES to continue.
  • As the data is copied to the disk, a progress bar and countdown time will appear at the bottom of the screen.
  • When the disc is full, you will be prompted to remove the first disc, insert the next disc and continue.
  • When the process is complete, the disc will eject from the drive.

Adding Additional Files to a CD-R or DVD-R

To confirm a disc that can be appended later with more files, go to the Tools menu and click Options. In the Options window navigation pane, click Data and confirm the option “I would like to use discs for more than one recording” is selected.

More Backup Options

There are many different options you can use to store/backup your data. Explore some of those options here.

Useful Links: