If i add an external hard drive to my lap top can i copy EVERYTHING over so i have a perfect backup???

Question

Or would i still need additional software to make a 100% copy?

Answer 1

First of all you should buy an external hard drive that has more storage capacity than your laptop's.



After that you will need an imaging program to make the copy (simply copying everything won't mean that you can boot from the external drive). You can find such free programs here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_cloning#Freeware

Answer 2

Yes you can backup EVERYTHING, but unfortunately, it won't be of use in time of emergency. You will need a true backup/image maker software such as Acronis True Image to properly created an image of your hard disk on the external drive. In addition, I will recommend you create a Start-up system using same Acronis on both disks. This will guarantee SAFE recovery in an type of emergency whatsoever. Good luck.

Answer 3

Why not just do it the easy way rather than copying your system files wich could be corrupted anyway thats why your system isnt working the way it should. Why not just transfer the things you want to save such as music video's important documents etc etc make folders for these items and remember to save your favourites then once you have re-installed your system it's just a case of putting all the things back in their right place. This is what i do i would never dream of making a backup of my system files as they are of no use and your system would only run the way it was before you re-installed it so why waste all that on nothing. Email me if you need more expert advice mate.

Answer 4

I have a 250G passport external harddrive. I like it because it is very tiny, ahout 4 by 3 and 1/2 thick, it's perfect for my laptop and easy to transport. It fits in a tiny camera bag. I back up all of my music, photos and email I feel the need to save.

Answer 5

Use norton ghost and make a backup image of your main drive and save it on any other drive on your pc. Then when you need to backup your main drive put the norton ghost installer cd and boot from cd to starrt symantec recovery disc. Select the backup image and click on ok. Your main drive can be backup like this. You can backup other drives also in this way.

Answer 6

No you will need to use a piece of software like Acronis drive image to make a complete backup of your drive incluing windows.

Answer 7

If it was a mac, it would backup everything for you automatically using the supplied 'time machine' software.

Answer 8

I would create a copy to the Drive, and to a DVD or CD just to be safe.

Have a nice day

Ken.

Answer 9

Use Norton Ghost.

Answer 10

You will need a program that will allow you to image your disk. This will make a byte-by-byte copy and will even be bootable.

Answer 11

It depends on the software you use. Acronis true image is good for it.

Answer 12

use: Control Panel\Backup and Restore Center



in vista, cant remember where it is in xp, should be somewhere in control panel as well

Answer 13

you can backup them to your external disk yes.

Regards,

G.

http://www.howtoguidehome.com

Answer 14

yes you can long prosses though

Answer 15

i think so it would take ages tho =[