How to Evade Data Disaster

What files should I back up?

>>TIP If you're using Windows 98 or Me, you should back up the My Documents folder, usually located at C:\My Documents. You should also back up the following Windows subfolders (not every Windows installation has all of these folders; if you can't find one, don't worry): All Users, Application Data, Desktop, Favorites, Local Settings, and Start Menu.

>>TIP If you're using Windows 2000 or XP, back up C:\Documents and Settings. This folder contains a subfolder for every user registered for that computer. Each subfolder contains, among other things, a folder called Local Settings (this folder is hidden by default in Windows Explorer, but it should be visible through your backup program's interface). Each Local Settings folder contains three folders that you should not back up: Temporary Internet Files, Temp, and History. You definitely should back up Application Data (the other Local Settings subfolder).

Unfortunately, not all programs store their data in these folders. >>TIP If you're unsure where an app stores its data, go into the program and add a piece of information, such as an address. Then quit the program. Now look for the file, using the Search or Find option in the Start menu.

Search for files modified within the last day. When a file list appears, click the column header labeled Modified or Date Modified. This will show you the most recently changed files on your computer; near the top will be the file that you just changed. If you don't recognize the file name, look at the folder where it's stored; this information is shown to the right. The path will usually include the name of the program used to create the file.

If a program is storing data outside the folders you're backing up, you can include in your backup the file or folder that the program uses, or you can employ the program's customization options to change where the data is stored.