When backing up personal files, you will want to make some considerations as to what files to back up and, what type of backup media to use.

Here are some common file types that should be backed up:

•    Word data files - *.doc
•    Excel data files - *.xls
•    Powerpoint data files - *.ppt
•    Access data files - *.mdb
•    WordPerfect data files - *.wpd

Some choices for backup media are:

•    USB Flash drive is newer technology, comes in various sizes – 2 gigabytes is a good size that is fairly inexpensive.  This media is likely the best choice as it is easy to use and reliable.
•    CD-R / CD-RW (700mb) requires computer to have CD burning capabilities
•    Zip Disk (100mb & 250mb) requires the computer to have Zip drive
•    Floppy Disk (1.44 mb) older technology that requires the computer to have a floppy drive

To Backup Files:

1.    Insert the backup media into the appropriate place in the computer i.e. burnable CD into the CD drive, USB Flash drive into a USB port, etc.

2.    Click Start, then select Search from the menu listing.  If Search isn’t available from the Start Menu, right click on the Start icon, then left click Search…

3.    In the All or part of the file name: box, type the appropriate extension information from the list above (example: for Word files type *.doc)  In the Look in: box, select the drive your files are located…typically C:    Click Search

4.    From the Search Results window, single click the appropriate file. Use shift-click for multiple files. You may also back up entire folders by selecting the folder or shift click for multiple folders.

5.    Select Edit, Copy to Folder… Then under the Copy Items window, select the location of the backup media and click Copy at the bottom of this window.

6.    Typically, a flash drive will show up as a drive letter and the name of the flash drive manufacturer i.e.  Kingston, Lexar, etc.

7.    If you copy to a CD, a balloon should appear letting you know that files are waiting to be written to the CD.  Click the balloon and a window will appear for the CD drive. At the left, under CD Writing Tasks, click Write these files to CD.  A wizard will appear to help you write the files to CD.