Need to Re-Boot Computer

[WorAl]

OK, I haven't done this for about 2 years and now need to reboot computer as it is running very very slowly.

My questions is, how do I backup certain files. I'm not talking about files on the C: Drive, I mean the likes of links to saved websites, emails (I use explorer to receive emails from BT Internet) so I don't have to download them all again then put them into folders.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Meoricin]

You don't lose saved data when you reboot your computer... Did you mean reformat/reinstall? If so, get a flash drive or external HDD, and just copy all the data you want to save across.

edit: to clarify, most programs will have your settings saved in a file somewhere - for example your shortcuts/bookmarks will be stored in a file by the browser you're using.

Edited by Meoricin on Sunday 25th April 16:03

[WorAl]

Sorry yes, I mean I am going to completely wipe my hard drive. Done it once before and computer ran a million times better afterward, so going to do it again as it's performance is piss poor. Only problem is, I lost all of what I mentioned earlier so just wondering if there is a way to save them all? If not then I'll just have to write the websites out.

Need a new computer really but can't afford one at moment.

[Ian_T]

Internet Explorer - File - Import and Export.

That'll save your browsers settings, including the bits you want. From what you typed, I assume you are using webmail, so you don't need to do anything with that.

[WorAl]

Ok thank you that will save my pages. I use bt Internet for mail but through outlook where I save me emails in specific files, however I can just load these to external hard drive so not too worried. I just have a lot of important web pages saved.

[tim2100]

If you need to back up files and haven't got a flash drive or spare HDD, then install dropbox on your machine (2gb, or 2.25gb using the link below).

It will create a folder in your my documents, copy all of the files you want to backup onto it and allow it to upload onto the server.

When you have a clean operating system, reinstall the dropbox and then all your files will then appear back in your dropbox.

Easy & free.

Dropbox

[Ian_T]

You can also do the same thing with Outlook.. Import and Export the entire account to a .pst file, and import it back when you've rebuilt.

[Viper_Larry]

If you are re-loading Windows XP, try using the built in 'Files & Settings Transfer Wizard' - this will copy all your settings, documents and emails to a backup destination you choose. You can then use the same program to import the files and settings once you've rebuilt it. How to do it here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/293118

Be warned though, it's not 100% reliable. If you want to save all your stuff manually, you need to backup the following folders:

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Desktop

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Cookies (if the user wants them)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Favourites (if the user wants them)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\My Documents

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{445BA***************************} \Microsoft\Outlook Express (*user*.dbx files if using MS Outlook Express)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook (*user*.pst files if using MS Office Outlook)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Themes (if applicable)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Recent (if they want it)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch

[WorAl]

Thanks for your help everyone, think I'll do this tomorrow night when I have more time.

[karona]

You've nothing to lose by downloading the free version of 'Glary Utilities' and running "one click maintenance" which will give your box a thorough clean up. It's worth running the 'start-up' module too to see what crap is running in the background. You may find your computer running much faster without needing to do a full install.

[WorAl]

karona said:

You've nothing to lose by downloading the free version of 'Glary Utilities' and running "one click maintenance" which will give your box a thorough clean up. It's worth running the 'start-up' module too to see what crap is running in the background. You may find your computer running much faster without needing to do a full install.

Excellent, cheers, will certainly give it a go

[Who me ?]

CCleaner works wonders - gets rid of most of the internet leeches