crwdns2933803:01crwdne2933803:0
crwdns2933797:0Nickcrwdnd2933797:0crwdne2933797:0
crwdns2936043:0crwdne2936043:0 crwdns2933505:0crwdne2933505:0 Nick
- crwdns2933769:0crwdne2933769:0
- crwdns2933771:0crwdne2933771:0
- crwdns2933801:0crwdne2933801:0
crwdns2933807:0crwdne2933807:0
| [title] Back the data on the computer up | |
| - | [* icon_note] This step only applies if you do not have a recent backup and the drive works. If the drive is dead or you already have a backup, start at Step 2. ***Note: Due to the possibility a recommended solution may not be available or work, I can not recommend a certain piece of backup software.*** |
| - | [* black] Before you begin working on the computer, do a backup before you start working on the system. You can use a backup program or drag and drop your files to the external hard drive to do this. ***Note: If you wish to have additional security or get up and running sooner, you may want to image your old hard drive. This will take several hours.*** |
| - | [* icon_note] ***When you may want a drive image:*** If you are dealing with a high hour drive or have a drive that is starting to fail, or one that will be reused in another system. ***When you may not want a drive image:*** If the old drive is healthy and you intend to store it, and do not plan on wiping the old drive or reusing it in another system. |
| - | [* icon_note] Do not discount system imaging, especially as a way to save time or if you wish to preserve how your system was previously configured. Unless your install has known problems or is bloated, it is worth considering system imaging as an alternative to a clean OS installation, especially if you want to save time. |
| + | [* icon_note] This step only applies if you do not have a recent backup and the drive works. If the drive is dead or is already backed up, start at Step 2. ***Note: Due to the possibility a recommended solution may not be available or work, I can not recommend a certain piece of backup software.*** |
| + | [* black] Before you begin working on the computer, do a backup before you start working on the system. You can use a backup program or drag and drop your files to the external hard drive to do this. ***Note: If you wish to have additional security or get up and running sooner, you may want to image your old hard drive. This will take several hours.*** |
| + | [* icon_reminder] While a new OS installation is recommended for most people, you may be able to image your old drive and copy it to the replacement drive, rather then starting over. The viability of this depends on the condition of the old installation. Most users should only do this as a preservation step, should the old image be needed later on. |
| + | [* icon_caution] ***Imaging as a operating system backup:*** For most users, your old installation will likely need extensive cleaning. For these situations, consider the image a plan B should you ever need it. This is useful for situations where the old drive is questionable, the OS has issues, or the drive is not in the best shape or being reused somewhere else. |
| + | [* icon_note] ***Imaging to reuse the old installation:*** If you are imaging the drive to use the old image rather then starting over, the key things to do are to minimize the programs installed, clean up the files and prepare the image for the new drive. If you are certain the old installation is good, this is a good option. |