Computer back up

[gtr1000]

I need to back up my computer, currently 52GB, running Vista Home Premium.

Now I know that my 4GB memory stick ain't going to be enough and I'm guessing that I'll need to use CD's but how many (I've no idea what memory capacity these CD's have) and any particular type/make?

[JuzzyD]

That's impractical on CD - buy an external USB HDD, will save you loads of time and hassle!

[steve1975l]

Santa has got me a 320gb usb pocket drive for £60 ish.

[Preey]

The best way is get a external hd have a look on ebay just a quick look and i found this Item number: 250312879019 it might sound a lot but you can always put all your other info on it ie photos and docs it will also free up space on your pc
if you put your info on to dvd to make a back up each dvdr will hold 4.7gb and a cdr should hold 700mb

[moorlander]

for my docs (mainly photos & music) I used to get them on a single DVD (Re-recordable) but as above its easier (& cheap enough) to get an external HD these days...I regulary back-up my stuff as I learnt the hard way!

[steve1975l]

Yes you only learn the importance of backups when you have lost something. I have got one of these coming.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Western-Digi...7213646&sr=8-1

[Cymrogwyllt]

\my data is backup to five disks, three of them external and the other two on different machines. one of the externals is kept 'elsewhere'. 180G approx each. externals are the way to go

[67688c]

You need something Like Ghost or DriveImage. Both will compress that 60gig probably to well under 10gig, depending on file types.

I've been using Ghost for more years than I care to remember, certainly back in the Dos days before windows came along.

It takes about 2 mins to back up my Drive C: and even less to put the image back on.

[67688c]

Yes you only learn the importance of backups when you have lost something. I have got one of these coming.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Western-Digi...7213646&sr=8-1

Thats a coincidence, I ordered this today on Scans Today Specials, it also comes with a Samsung 8Gb Pendrive. Thought it was a very good deal. Check todays specials and you will see it adds the pendrive too for a little extra charge.

http://www.scan.co.uk/product.aspx?ProductId=25833

[VauxVeteran]

The best way I've found is to go the semi server route, keep all your docs etc on a formatted non O/S loaded drive and have it slaved to the main drive, i.e use a small drive say 200 gig to have Windows on and a 500 gig one to keep data, this way when a virus lands it has no O/S where your stuff is to infect and you just have to reload windows to the 200 gig if you get a problem.