Quantcast

Don't have an account? Register Now! Forgot password?

Related Articles
Ask the Doctor

Backing Up Files for Upgrade

Posted 02/05/10 at 05:00:39 PM  by The Maximum PC Staff

comment Commentsprint Printemail EmailDeliciousDiggStumbleUponRedditFacebookSlashdot

Ask the Doctor LogoI need to back up my files in anticipation of upgrading my rig from 32-bit Windows XP to 64-bit Windows 7. I don’t own an external hard drive and can’t afford to buy one (being a poor college student). I do, however, have a rig with two hard drives. If I were to transfer my files onto one drive and reformat the other with Windows 7, would the new OS be able to recognize the old drive and give me access to my files?

—Rhys Pygall

Yes, you can transfer your files to the other hard drive. In fact, due to the way Windows sets permissions, you’ll definitely want to do that: Transfer your files to a disk other than the one you’re upgrading. If you try to access a My Documents folder from an old install with a new version of Windows, you’ll probably lack security permissions. We’ve covered how to get your permissions back in this column before, but it’s easier to just bypass the issue by using a separate drive, like you’re doing.

 

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION Are flames shooting out of the back of your rig? First, grab a fire extinguisher and douse the flames. Once the pyrotechnic display has fizzled, email the doctor at doctor@maximumpc.com for advice on how to solve your technological woes.

 

COMMENTS:3
TAGS: upgrade, backup, hard drives, ask the doctor
COMMENTS
avatar2nd hard drive

Submitted by Raspop on Sat, 02/06/2010 - 3:51pm

This is no substitute for a proper back up plan, but....

You can permanently locate your data files on a separate drive than your OS.  If you ever need to reinstall Windows, your files won't be affected. 

Right click a folder like My Documents select properties.

Choose the Location tab and select Move...

A window will pop up asking you to select where you want My Documents to live, navigate to your other hard drive, make a folder called My Documents and choose that for where you want the particular folder to reside.

Login or register to post comments
avatarat the very least, choose

Submitted by jrocknyc on Sat, 02/06/2010 - 12:52pm

at the very least, choose your like 100 favorite pictures, and whatever important text files (taxes, college courwework) and email it to yourself or something...

tho really, if you can afford a computer, how can you NOT AFFORD a backup hard drive? 1tb for $80! It'll hold THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS of albums, movies, and IRREPLACEABLE photos.

 

BUY A FUCKIN BACKUP HARD DRIVE!

Login or register to post comments
avatarBesides backing up your

Submitted by SShadow on Fri, 02/05/2010 - 4:58pm

Besides backing up your documents, don't forget about the other extra files/data (favorites/bookmarks, export email/contact data, music, pictures, saved games, downloads or other settings that you may want).

Login or register to post comments
This Month's Issue
Maximum PC
SUBSCRIBE NOW
AND SAVE!
FEATURE Build a Crazy-Fast $647 PCFEATURE Six Single-Band 802.11n Routers ReviewedHOW TOTweak BitTorrent and FirefoxFEATUREClose Look at ClarkdaleWHITE PAPERLCD Panel Technology