Hello again --- Hewlett-Packard (almost 4 years old), 30 gig HD, approximately 3 gig used (that includes 413 MB in my Program Files folder), and 26 gig free (the reason I have so much free space is that I back up all setup files on RW/CD's (G-d bless 'em), and sound and graphics I keep to a minimum (once I put a graphic onto a website, I delete it). I used to save all those JPG's but that was a waste. And if it's important, file system is "FAT 32"
ORIGINAL POSTING --- I have all my personal files, and programs that do not come pre-installed on the System Restore CD --- all backed up on a RW/CD. And whenever I had to resort to "the final resort" I would clear the entire hard drive using my "outdated" Restore CD-1 and back to square one (like when the computer was bought) with my "outdated" Restore CD-2. And what follows is then the grueling task (which I've become quite expert at) of re-installing all the personal files and programs. That's been my life for the last seven years. One easily becomes accustomed to whatever rut one is in. Isn't life that way? I've been told to "put aside those outdated HP restore CD's ... and have handy a copy of your operating system and your favourite programmes and most needed data." Question (and go slow now) --- how does one back up the entire operating system? --- Harold MIKE SAYS: Make a Ghost or Drive image of a clean installation of your hard drive, store it on a separate partition then burn it to CD, spanning over several CD's if you have a lot of stuff --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] HUH? --- That's going slow? 1. What does it mean: a ghost or drive image of a clean installation of the hard drive? Does it mean after I do a "System Restore" and delete whatever I think unnecessary, that I copy the entire hard drive onto R/W CD's? I suppose it's possible; what would that be, maybe four CD's? And then how would I use them as apposed to just installing the programs anew and copying personal files onto the HD that are always backed up on one R/W CD? Trying to answer my own question; does it mean I would then be able to re-install the entire system all in one shot? 2. I don't have my HD partitioned (and wouldn't know how to do it nor am I sure it is advisable; I've seen pro's and con's on that subject). Note that I have a 30 gig HD, approximately 3 gig used and 26 gig free. Why would I have to deal with partitioning; why not copy everything directly onto those four CD's? 3. This is something else but my son-in-law just asked me how to back up the entire HD onto "sequential" CD's without having to measure how much fits onto each CD (and is there a utility for doing that?). He says he was once able to do that with floppies. The guy grew up with computers; what does he want from me? (well, he did become an actuary so I'll forgive him). I'm kidding about the "huh", Mike, and do appreciate yours and anyone else's input here. Truth is, those with expertise like you have, often take too much for granted when helping other people with techie matters, especially when doing it online (so the "huh" stays put) ... Harold. ============= PCWorks Mailing List ================= Don't see your post? Check our posting guidelines & make sure you've followed proper posting procedures, http://pcworkers.com/rules.htm Contact list owner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribing and other changes: http://pcworkers.com =====================================================
