GoldWingGL
03-19-2007, 06:06 PM
Since this is fresh in my mind, as I just went through it in the last week, I though I would remind all of you to make backup files of your system in case of a PC crash or other serious issue that could disable your PC. I know you don?t want to think about it.
Most of you may be aware that this can happen very easily, but some are not. I am very careful with my system and have many programs to keep it running in top shape but it has happened to me. I am lucky I guess that I have backups and have an above average knowledge of system files that are needed to get back up and running, but this one blindsided me?LOL
I thought I would tell you about a FREE program for backing up your system files that works very well. It is called SyncBack and you can get it here?
http://www.download.com/3120-20_4-0.html?tg=dl-20&qt=SyncBack&tag=srch
In my opinion, the most important files to backup, is your Documents & Settings Directory and that can be done with the above program. That said, here is what I think is needed to go from Crash to 99.9% back up and running the way you were. An external Hard Drive large enough to copy what?s on your PC to include the following Directories copied to it with SyncBack?.your Root drive files(sometimes optional), Cabs Directory, Documents & Settings Directory, Program files Directory and your Windows Directory. There are others that might be needed but they will vary from System to system. Also, always have an up to date backup of your Registry. All of this has to be on the external (non-system) drive or it will do you no good. With the above done, you can safely re-format your system drive, re-install Windows and copy over all of your backups, overwriting when prompted.
If I have missed something you may have done/needed in the past, please include that here.
DISCLAIMER??.This system has worked for me many many times. That said, you take the above advice at your own risk?.BUT?. If your PC has crashed, you can?t go wrong with this and you Might even thank me?LOL:D
Most of you may be aware that this can happen very easily, but some are not. I am very careful with my system and have many programs to keep it running in top shape but it has happened to me. I am lucky I guess that I have backups and have an above average knowledge of system files that are needed to get back up and running, but this one blindsided me?LOL
I thought I would tell you about a FREE program for backing up your system files that works very well. It is called SyncBack and you can get it here?
http://www.download.com/3120-20_4-0.html?tg=dl-20&qt=SyncBack&tag=srch
In my opinion, the most important files to backup, is your Documents & Settings Directory and that can be done with the above program. That said, here is what I think is needed to go from Crash to 99.9% back up and running the way you were. An external Hard Drive large enough to copy what?s on your PC to include the following Directories copied to it with SyncBack?.your Root drive files(sometimes optional), Cabs Directory, Documents & Settings Directory, Program files Directory and your Windows Directory. There are others that might be needed but they will vary from System to system. Also, always have an up to date backup of your Registry. All of this has to be on the external (non-system) drive or it will do you no good. With the above done, you can safely re-format your system drive, re-install Windows and copy over all of your backups, overwriting when prompted.
If I have missed something you may have done/needed in the past, please include that here.
DISCLAIMER??.This system has worked for me many many times. That said, you take the above advice at your own risk?.BUT?. If your PC has crashed, you can?t go wrong with this and you Might even thank me?LOL:D