What is your worst computer nightmare? Most people
would say having their computer stop in the middle of an important
project or losing all their important data!
FIRST: Windows XP & Me allows you to take a snapshot of
critical system files before you make any major
changes, such as installing new software, hardware devices,
or changing the registry. Windows XP & Me
automatically creates system restore points, called system
checkpoints, but you can create your own to make it even easier
to recover your system in case of a failure.
Follow the steps below to create restore points:
1. Click ‘Start’, point to ‘All Programs’,
then to ‘Accessories’, point to ‘System
Tools’
2. Then click ‘System Restore’ and a dialog box
will open
3. In the ‘System Restore’ dialog box, click ‘Create
a restore point’, and then click ‘Next’
4. Type a description for your restore point, such as “Before
modem”, then click ‘Create’
If your system fails, press F8 in the boot menu, and then
click Last Known Good Configuration. Windows XP/ME restores
your system to the most recent restore point.
Note: Note that using restore points doesn’t affect
your personal files, such as the My Documents or Favorites
folders.
Ok, now that you have saved your ‘registry’ files
in case your system gets really screwed up with something
you do or something some new program does, how do you really
protect yourself and your computer from data DISASTER?
This column has mentioned many times about:
1. Backing up your data, and
2. Virus protection.
You can search thru the Bali Advertiser archives at http://baliadvertiser.biz/articles/index.html.
for this information so I won’t bore you with it again.
Whether you’re ready to face it or not, the day will
come when your computer’s hard drive will simply give
up the ghost. (Remember that a hard drive has a useful
life of 3-5 years).
Print This Page
I suggest you keep a printed version of the tips you’ll
need handy. The day your drive dies you
probably won’t have access to the Internet
to look at these.
Back Up, Back Up, etc
OK. There we said it again. If you value your data, take the
time to back up your critical
files. Keep current copies offsite in a
safe place. Do it right now, because Murphy’s
Law — Anything that can go wrong, will — rings
doubly true when it comes to computers. Never
reformat your drive without testing your backup.
If you use tapes, make
sure you’re familiar with the backup software.
Use Your Computer Wisely
Avoid data loss and program corruption by quitting your programs
before you shut down your computer.
Never turn off peripheral devices — a printer,
scanner, external hard drive — while the computer is
on or when the disk is active. This is the main cause
of directory damage. Also, do not move or jar a hard drive
while it’s operating. Allow adequate space
around external drives’ cooling vents. Remove books
and papers that might block airflow and
do not put the drive on carpeting.
Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes
If the drive was previously in a very
cold environment, allow it to warm up to room
temperature before operating. Generally, if you
are comfortable, the climate is appropriate for the drive.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
If your hard drive emits unusual noises — clicking,
grinding or metal scraping — turn it off immediately.
This symptom typically indicates a head crash that can destroy
your data. Extensive damage can occur quickly. If you
don’t have a backup and need to recover data,
you should contact a professional data recovery service (try
RIMO) immediately as this situation demands repair work
in a clean room environment.
