Computer question for those who know about such

[stacer]

Sprig (among others), this means you. What kind of files should I back up other than my documents and my programs? For instance, where would I find the files for my Outlook? I want to back up my contacts, but I have no clue how to go about it.

And hey, if you happen to be hooked into cheap (that is, free) laptops, whoever, let me know. My stupid CD/DVD drive is shot--shorted out because of the cord short--and I have no idea what else might be shot, too. I have functionality right now, and I'm backing up like crazy, but apparently the backup function on my external hard drive doesn't work (it runs the program, but when you try to retrieve the files, you get empty folders--it replicates the folders, but not the actual files... !!!). So I don't want to just plunk the whole C: drive over to the E: drive--this would take forever; I'll do it eventually, but for the present I want to find the most important, un-recreatable things.

Of course, if i were to need to wipe my hard drive at this point, I wouldn't be able to reinstall anything because the drive is dead. I suppose I could buy an external. But the thing I worry most is that it isn't just the drive, that there's more that isn't working. The repair shop guy said it could be the whole channel too (I just had him look at it to see if the drive should be brought in for repair, while I was buying my new cord).

More economical to replace the drive? Or just get a new computer?

I wish I knew someone here who could come look at it. At any rate, it seems to be working for now. I just worry that it won't be for much longer.

[The Jade Knight]

Personally, I keep everything except for programs and system files all in one folder with subfolders—everything including music, pics, documents (for various programs), even internet downloads.  Everything.  For me, it's very easy to backup.  I backup everything in that folder (C&P), and then I scan the Programs I have installed and try to figure out where to hunt for save files if I need to keep any.

If you're not sure where your contacts are, the least you could do is copy the entire Outlook folder.  I could give you more detailed info if you used Eudora, but I don't use Outlook, so someone else will have to help you there.

In addition, I tend to keep copies of install files for the freeware I download from the 'net, and I keep a text file listing all of the programs I like to have installed, so that if I have to reinstall, I can go down the list and have all the programs I like on there (things like Winamp, Spybot, XnView, CDex, WordPerfect, etc.)

[stacer]

Well, tonight the drive has been making feeble attempts to run. Not enough to be recognized by the computer, but maybe it's signs that it's just the drive that needs to be replaced? I hope so.

[Spriggan]

If you have the Export Wizard installed you can just export your contacts as a Exel file, or something else, from File>>Import and Export>>Export files.

As for cheap laptops, there a strong rumor going around the net that Wal-Mart will have $400 lappys the day after T-Day.

Its hard to tell what shorted out, if it's part of your CD player you can get a new one of those dirt cheap, if it's any of the hardware in the Lappy you may have to buy a new system.

To check, many laptops have a second expansion where you could place a CD in it (usually on the opposite side).  Turn your PC off and switch the CD player from one side to the other then turn it back on.  If the CD is still acting funny then it's a fairly good chance your CD is shorting out and not the laptop.

[stacer]

Hey Sprig, is there a way of disabling the drive temporarily? It's trying to get it running, and keeps hiccuping start-stop-start-stop. It's not working, but still trying to access it, and I'd think if I could disable it temporarily it'd be less annoying. If, however, that would do more harm than good, of course I wouldn't do it.

[Spriggan]

There is a way to disable it, ie make it so the PC doesn't think it's there, but as long as it's plugged in it'll still be getting power so it's better just to remove it.

[stacer]

Hm. I'll have to figure that one out. And it only has the one slot for CD/DVD drives, so I couldn't switch it.

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

If you use Outlook, you can just back up the .pst file and that will backup all your contacts and mail and any other info you put in Outlook.

Other than that, back up your favorites, and peer at any programs that might have saved games or an .ini file that saves preferences.