Backing up your information

Recovery after a system failure is as complete as your most current backup. You should create system repair discs (select models only) and your initial backup immediately after software setup. As you add new software and data files, you should continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonably current backup. The system repair discs (select models only) are used to start up (boot) the computer and repair the operating system in case of system instability or failure. Your initial and subsequent backups allow you to restore your data and settings if a failure occurs.

You can back up your information to an optional external hard drive, a network drive, or discs.

Note the following when backing up:

●Store personal files in the Documents library, and back it up regularly.

●Back up templates that are stored in their associated programs.

●Save customized settings that appear in a window, toolbar, or menu bar by taking a screen shot of your settings. The screen shot can be a time-saver if you have to reset your preferences.

To create a screen shot:

1.Display the screen you want to save.

2.Copy the screen image:

To copy only the active window, press alt+fn+prt. To copy the entire screen, press fn+prt sc.

3.Open a word-processing document, and then select Edit > Paste. The screen image is added to the document.

4.Save the document.

●When backing up to discs, use any of the following types of discs (purchased separately): CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, or DVD±RW. The discs you use will depend on the type of optical drive installed in your computer.

NOTE: DVDs and DVDs with double-layer (DL) support store more information than CDs, so using them for backup reduces the number of recovery discs required.

●When backing up to discs, number each disc before inserting it into the optical drive of the computer.

To create a backup using Backup and Restore, follow these steps:

NOTE: Be sure that the computer is connected to AC power before you start the backup process.

NOTE: The backup process may take over an hour, depending on file size and the speed of the computer.

1.Select Start > All Programs > Maintenance > Backup and Restore.

2.Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your backup, create a system image (select models only), or create a system repair disc (select models only).

Backing up your information 129