Backing up your data and important files is a crucial part of computer
maintenance, especially on laptops as they are more prone to damage or
theft than desktops. Windows 7's built-in tool, called Backup and
Restore, can automatically manage regular backups for you, saving your
data to an external source such as an external hard drive, network
location or even a blank DVD. For scheduled auto-backups, use the Task
Scheduler to set reminders for yourself to connect an external backup
source.
Instructions
Setting Up Backups
1
Click "Start | Control Panel | System and Maintenance | Backup and Restore."
2
Click "Set up backup" to begin your backup configuration.
Windows may take a minute or two to analyze your available backup
locations.
3
Choose where you want to save your backup data. While you
can use your optical drive, a DVD doesn't have enough space to back the
system image that allows you to restore your existing system settings.
You can also use an external hard drive, network-attached storage or a
flash drive with sufficient space -- if you're backing up large files or
using your system image, you'll want at least 10GB. If you're only
backing up small files, such as text documents, you can probably get
away with just a few gigabytes.
4
Select whether you want Windows to choose what directories
are backed up, or whether you'd rather pick and choose. A custom setup
allows you to remove resource-heavy folders if your backup location is
short on space, as well as disable the system image, if necessary, for
space issues. Click "Next" when done.
5
Click "Change Schedule" and select a time and frequency that
works best for your needs. Select a time when you know the computer
will be on; if you leave your computer on overnight, for convenience,
choose a time during the night when you won't be using it.
6
Click "Save Settings and Run Backup," then "Back Up Now" to
start your first backup and save your backup options. Backing up can
take several minutes or up to an hour, depending on what you're backing
up. Once completed, you can remove your external source.
Using Task Scheduler for Reminders
7
Click "Start | Control Panel | System and Security | Administrative Tools," then choose the "Task Scheduler" tool.
8
Select "Create Basic Task" in the Actions pane on the right side of the screen.
9
Enter a name and description for your task, click "Next" and
select the trigger for your task at the same frequency as your backups.
If you're running a monthly backup, for example, set a monthly reminder
prior to the backup time. Click "Next," then choose the time and day
for your alert.
10
Select "Display a Message" or "Send an Email," depending on
whether you want to receive an email or have a popup message reminding
you to connect an external drive or disc.
11
Enter the settings for your message -- either the mail settings or the contents of your displayed message.
12
Review your task and click "Finish" to finalize.
Tips & Warnings
You can also use
cloud-based backup services, such as Carbonite and Mozy, which have
programs that run in the background and back up files on a schedule.
Unlike Backup and Restore, these do not back up system settings.
If for whatever reason you need to turn off your backup, click "Turn off Schedule" on the backup page.
When needed, use the Backup and Restore utility to restore your files.
Backup and Restore
does not support cloud locations, but you can use Windows SkyDrive and
Windows Live Mesh to sync personal files to your cloud storage.
