Sorry for not posting last week, I was recovering from a hard drive problem, which took much longer than I expected because like anything not all back-ups are created equal – and not necessarily in the ways and the data you think is being backed up for future restoration.
Most systems now come with Windows recovery as an option via the Control Panel – well at least if you keep your updates current that is. However the problem with this recovery is that if you need to reformat and reinstall your Operating System it only recognizes the recovery files it has created not those it considers as coming from another machine. Back to the drawing board on that one.
Next step was to rely on my Norton360 Back-up. Fortunately that recovered most of my data files – EXCEPT for some reason my e-mail folder (likely because I was using the program at the time – backup programs want you to have all your applications closed while they work) so I lost some of those messages and have had to ask folks to resend some items. Fortunately, I was able to recover my calendar and contacts from my Blackberry once I got that application reinstalled. Unfortunately, one of the files I was unable to recover was my accounting/financial package information so will need to re-enter that data again. However, now I will copy the native file to the USB drive every time I close the application – I do not like doing my bookkeeping, so thankfully it is not too much.
Now to some solutions. I have purchased a ghosting program now and will likely get another USB drive, this time a portable one to which I will make the images so that I can take it with me when I am on the road. I will also sign up for a web based archive as well so that I have that back-up when traveling – because “stuff” always happens when you are away from the office.
The long and short of all this is that I am now in the process of purchasing /installing a belt, suspenders, and elastic waist to make sure everything stays up.
If any of you have suggestions on how to improve the integrity of your system please share. Thanks!
