I spent yesterday afternoon restoring files on my desktop computer.

It’s like this: My computer just locked up on me when I tried to restart it. Then I tried to restart it in safe mode. No dice.

At this point I would have called a local computer repair shop to have them fix it for me, but their tech just left two weeks ago for parts unknown and they haven’t replaced him yet.

So I sucked it up and reformatted the hard drive, reinstalling all the various programs I needed.

But here’s the cool thing: I didn’t lose one piece of data.

Imagine where you would be if your computer crashed. Would you have lost everything?

Here’s my backup plan that kept all my stuff intact:

  1. Almost all of my data/projects/etc are kept online

    2. I use Gmail, Google Reader, Google Docs, Backpackit.com and iGoogle to pull it all together.

    I also have an online folder where I can place files both for backup and sharing.

  2. I have a folder for any CDs/DVDs for programs

    3. I have a 3-ring binder with clear CD/DVD holders where I keep not only the program CDs, but each one has its unlock key written on a sticker on the sleeve. This makes restoring a program a snap.

  3. I keep downloaded programs on my Desktop and CD

    4. When I download a new program I place it on my desktop. Once it downloads I burn it to a CD and then I have two copies if I ever lose one.

  4. I keep a written password page

    5. Security issues for me are NOT at my home office, they are online. Instead of depending on my computer to remember my username/password combinations, I have a notebook where I keep them. Someone from Russia may break into my computer, they aren’t very likely to hit my house.

  5. I have all my current files backed up automatically

    6. I use iDrive to instantly back up my new files.

  6. I have multiple computers

    7. Between my wife and our two children we have: 3 laptops and 4 desktops. Two of the desktops are towers we keep in the garage. If I had a major hardware problem it would be easy for me to temporarily use one of those computers while I got a new one running.

  7. I have old files on an external hard drive

    8. About once a quarter or so I backup files that have not been used in 6-9 months or more to an external hard drive. Not only does this allow my active files to be accessed more easily, I also don’t have to worry about deleting an old file only to realize later I need it.

Just some ideas you may want to consider.

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