If Something Goes Wrong

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Develop good computing habits

Each CD has room for 650-700 megabytes of data. Follow this same set of steps any number of times to back up any number of files to as many CDs as is required to hold them.

The Windows® operating system also includes a Backup utility, though it does not directly support writing to CDs. For more information, click Start, Help and Support, or start the Backup utility by clicking Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Backup Status and Configuration.

General tips for installing hardware and software

Here are a few tips to help ensure safe and easy installation of new hardware (printers, pointing devices, external hard drives, DVD writers, scanners, etc.) and software (applications like Microsoft® Office and Adobe® Photoshop®, or utility software such as special toolbars for your web browser).

❖Create a Restore Point (refer to “Saving system configuration with Restore Points” on page 190). Before installing anything, use the System Restore utility to set a Restore Point (see the section titled Restore Points). If anything goes wrong, you will then be able to easily restore the Windows® operating system to the state it was in prior to the installation, undoing any changes that the installation process introduced.

❖Back up your critical data (see “Backing up your data or your entire computer with the Windows® operating system” on page 191).

❖Have your factory Restore/Reconfiguration CD(s) on hand in case you need any files from them (available on certain models).

❖Do not guess—follow directions carefully! It is often necessary to run an installation utility first—before connecting a new hardware item to the computer. If the device is connected first, it may be very difficult to complete the installation successfully. Always carefully follow the installation instructions that accompany the hardware or software.

❖Restart the Windows® operating system. Always restart the Windows® operating system after each installation, even if the installation utility does not prompt you to do so. This will ensure that the installation is completed, and will clean up anything that the installation utility left behind.

❖Do one installation at a time. If you have several new items to add to your computer system, install just one at a time, creating Restore Points immediately before each successive installation.