Backing up my laptop, options?

[Mark300zx]

My crappy Lenovo laptop is failing again, so before it gets chucked what are the options for backing it up, last time I did it it was to a separate HD, are there better options now?

[Mark300zx]

eeLee said:

what do you want to back up?
I would recommend just data. Cloud storage is your friend.

If you need serial numbers from installed software and don't have them, Magic Jelly Bean keyfinder can help (plus other tools).

If you move to a new computer then install programs fresh.

Your primary and likely failing item is the drive.

I bought an extended warranty and the motherboard has been replaced twice!!!!

What are the cloud options, costs etc.?

[Mark300zx]

Thanks, I am a simple guy with Luddite tendencies, so would prefer a one-hit solution?

[Mark300zx]

Condi said:

How much do you need to backup? If you already have an external HD then easiest to just copy to that. There are "better ways" if you want to use cloud services to automatically back up documents as you save them on the laptop, but that feels like a more long term goal rather than what you want now.

120gb is what my laptop is saying I've used!

[Mark300zx]

Mr Pointy said:

What do you mean by backup? Do you want to copy your files - documents, photos etc - or do you want to image the whole installation, OS & all?

Files, documents etc.