How to back up data on external hard drive:

Whenever it comes to back up the data, most of the people find it a cumbersome job. It is so because with so many approaches available to do this task, it really becomes difficult for everyone to choose the perfect one. If you are also facing the same problem, then it would be beneficial for you to back up your all data on an external hard drive. Now, the question emerges how to do this? Well, regarding this concern, given below are some guidelines that will take you through the process of backing up data on external hard drive.

First of all evaluate your requirements. Identify the files and folders that you need to back up. For instance, pictures, documents, videos, favorites etc. Although it doesn’t matter which sort of data you store on an external hard drive, but it would be beneficial to organize them according to their type so that you can easily restore them.

Now, once you have identified the required documents, it’s time for you to acquire the administrative rights of your computer. It is so because whether you are working on Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, all of them allow you to copy data only when you are logged in as an Administrator. Now, make sure that your CPU cabinet holds a free USB 2.0 port in order to attach the external hard drive with your computer. In addition make sure that you have saved all the opened applications such as Word, Excel etc.

After meeting all these requirements, it’s time to back up the data on your external hard drive. Basically, there are two ways to do this task including automatic and manual. In automatic backup, Windows itself stores all your settings wherever you desire. The only thing that you need to do is just go to All programs, click Accessories and then look for System tools menu. In system tools you will discover a sub menu entitled as backup. Just run that back up wizard and your operating system will automatically prompt what data you want to back up and where. Simply pick an option according to your convenience and then your required files are written to external hard drive.

In manual process of backing up the data on an external hard drive, you need to identify its letter. It is so because whenever you attach any mass storage device to your computer it is automatically installed by the Windows and assigned drive letter to make it distinct from internal hard drive of your computer. You need to do this process for automatic back up procedure as well. Now, when you come to know that the external hard drive has been allotted a drive letter such as J:, K: etc, you can start copying data into it.

Backing up files on an external hard drive is an easy process, because you can simply drag the files that you require and drop them into it. Usually, the crucial data of every Windows system is located under three to six folders. So, you need to copy all of them if you don’t wish to back up all the data. In case you are using Windows XP or 2000, all you have to do is go to C:Document and settingsAdministrator’s name. And then copy all the folders located into this directory.

And if you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, go to C:UsersAdministartor’s Name and drag all the folders situated at this location into your external hard drive.