Corporations have disaster recovery plans, and so should you. If you want to minimize your own computers’ downtime due to hard drive failure, operating system corruption (i.e. the “Blue Screen of Death”), and the like, there are a number of solutions that you can use that can help you get back up and running quickly.

Whole-drive Backup – The simple solution

You could back up everything (the operating system AND your data). A while back, we covered using DriveImage XML to create a backup image of the entire drive.

The biggest advantage is that using this technique will back up everything in one shot, including your data, and all of the tweaks and changes you’ve made. Make sure you back up regularly, and you’ll hardly break a sweat when your hard drive crashes.

The biggest disadvantage is that your data is only as current as your whole-drive backup. Depending on the amount of data, it may be inconvenient or too time-consuming to use this technique.

Partition the Hard Drive: More Work Now, More Flexibility Later

If you work with large data files (audio/video) or your data changes frequently (you create many documents, or save your email on your hard drive), you might want to store your data on a separate drive, or partition your hard drive.

If you have a desktop computer, there may be room in the case for an additional hard drive (or, partition the single hard drive as described in the next paragraph). Install a new hard drive and move your data files over.

If you’re using a laptop with Windows 2000/XP/Vista 32-bit, and the drive has a single partition (“C: drive”), you can use the free utility EASEUS Partition Manager Home Edition to create a new partition, then move your data files to that partition.

Now you can backup your seldom-changing C: drive occasionally, and backup your frequently changing data files (located on the new drive or partition) much more often.

Depending on which applications you’re using, it may take a bit of work to locate all of your data files, but it will be well worth your time, either when your computer crashes, or you’d like to smoothly transition to a new computer. Perhaps most of your data is located in the “My Documents” folder, but perhaps not. Spend a few hours locating, and if necessary, consolidating your data.

Backing Up “Hidden Data”

Go a step further by backing up a few more items that will be helpful to have “just in case.” Here are some ideas:

    Firefox: Use FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) to back up the extensions you’re using with Firefox, as well as preferences and bookmarks.

    Drivers: Free utility DriverMax will backup drivers, those files that your computer’s motherboard, sound card, video card, etc. need to work properly.

    This site for Argentuma backup software can give you some more ideas of what to back up.

    Backup HowTo is a great resource for specific backup techniques, and reviews of backup software.

Takeaway: It’s no fun to have a hard drive crash, only to find out that only part of your data was backed up. Taking the time now to locate and consolidate your data can be beneficial later on as you prepare your personal disaster recovery plan.

Photo: chantal foster