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Why Even the Best Backup Plans
Fail
We all know that we
are supposed to do it. We all learn our lesson someday -- when we don't do it.
"If it was easier, I would do it." Data backup is important to a business of any
size. Large business even have staff with "backup" in their job description.
Regular and dependable backup is not difficult. Learn from these common
mistakes...
Wrong
Backup Data
Don't regularly backup your software files. Just backup the data. If you want an additional copy of the software, make a copy, mark it clearly with its version number and any license key, and take it off-site. Making copies of software, program files (or .exe files) as part of your regular scheduled backups is a waste of time and backup space. Remember...we want to make this easy. Be sure to understand where your data is being stored. Do a little research...Program Files...My Documents...the System Registry...PST files...Favorites, etc. Hint - Look at the file dates or do "incremental" or "differential" backups. Old Backup
Data
As the information
stored on your computers is integral to your business, it is important that your
backups be up-to-date. A backup is only as good as its vintage. In this
case, newer is usually better. Schedule the computer to run your
backups regularly (daily if possible). If your backups are cumbersome, identify
those files that are most important...accounting...email...and back them up
separately.
No Off Site
Backup
Assume the
worst...overnight your building has burned to the ground. What is your
recovery plan? Run to Staples...buy a PC...set it up in a hotel... then what?
You can replace your software at the store or install from your extra off-site
copies. But where will the data come from? Be sure to get backups off-site
regularly (weekly if possible). Also, it is not uncommon to recognize a less
tragic data need (like missing files) after your nightly backup has been
overwritten. Keep that in mind as you plan.
Wrong Backup
Format or Media
Have you noticed
that your backed up data is being compressed? This is why you can get so much
information on a floppy disk. Who cares, right? "It restores just fine. I tested
it in the backup program." All backup formats are not created equal. Assuming
the worst, you will be trying to restore this information to a new PC in a new
environment. Will you have the same backup software? Will you have the same
nbackup hardware? Will the PC have the right kind of drive for the media?
Floppy, CD, Tape. By making use of the backup utilities built into the
Windows operating system, you will increase your odds for a good data recovery.
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Many of
today's versions of Windows have a built-in backup utility. Some can be
scheduled to run automatically, overnight for example. Some, like Windows 98 and Windows ME can NOT BE
SCHEDULED. To easily
schedule backup jobs on Windows
98 and Windows ME and get reminders to regularly take backup disks, tapes or CDRs off-site, use Backup
Scheduler v4.51. This software utility works with the built-in
backup programs that you already have. For more information
on scheduling backup jobs or to try Backup Scheduler for
FREE,
Regards,
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