Backup Software Programs Should Protect Which Files?

If you are wanting to backup all the files that are important to you on your pc then you need to choose a backup software program that can specifically back those files and folders up. But what if you're unsure which files should be backed up? Which files absolutely must be backed up and which ones can be left on the wayside if your system crashes? Here are some guidelines on backup software programs which files you cannot do without and must have backed up along with some others that aren't so important.

You really need to know that you can start up your pc again after a system failure and be sure that the necessary files that you need are all going to appear there again. Think about the files that you could not replace if you lost them. These would be ones like birth certificates or marriage and divorce certificates. There are also bank statements and insurance documents that you would no doubt want to hold on to. You should ensure that these are being backed up on a regular basis.

Other sorts of databases, work files and documents that hold important information should also be included in your list of files that you cannot do without. I like to back up copies of my emails also and use POP3 email software when doing so. Make sure you also backup all of your contacts and any correspondence that you may have that is deemed as irreplaceable. There is nothing worse than losing all of your contacts that has no doubt taken you years to accumulate, just because you didn't include it in the back up.

The other item I always recommend gets backed up is your computer settings. This is so important if you have to try and restore your pc right from scratch and you need to transfer your backup to another PC. I know only too well how frustrating it is when you haven't bothered backing up those things.