Computer Software Tips : How to Back Up a Hard Drive

Backing up a hard drive and user folders on a computer is a great way to safely store data for easy restoration. Follow a few easy steps and back up a hard drive with tips from a software developer in this free video about computer technology.

Expert: Dave Andrews
Bio: Dave Andrews is a software developer that holds a degree in computer science. Currently, he is employed by a government IT department.
Filmmaker: Tim Brown

[PastulioLive]

@berther88 You have to actually re-install the programs, the preferences will be kept with some programs, but they will not run if you just copy the files over in a clean install of windows. They need to be added to the windows registry. (this happens automatically when installing a program via an install wizard)

[maccabe]

thank you i always wanted to know how to back up programs so you don't have to go searching all that was on the hard drive . .

[dedrawilliams]

Thanks you Dave for the help :).
and sorry to see all these rude comments on here.

[dedrawilliams]

@gotpsp06 try saving your music to a usb card its really easy that way .and pictures

[berther]

Thanks for the video, very helpful.

When I've backed up my program files, if the computer has to be recovered, how can I reinstall my programs (such as anti-spayware, different media players and so on) using that backup? Is there a file in each program folder that can be used to reinstall them?

Your helpful videos and any help you can give on my question are much appreciated.

[JAYJAY]

use pc mover to install programs and everything just how u had it i know it cost money but i am looking for a crack for it but that is the best way i know u will be able 2 get it right back the way u had it thats a for sure thing

[TheNewbpowner]

I have a question about windows.
Is it true that you can only use a windows installation disk 3 times?
And if thats true, how can you reactivate it?

[gotpsp]

Every time I try to back up my stuff the laptop crashes.what do I do? I don't wanna lose all my music

[coffeeattack]

How do you restore your software after a system recovery. I have several programs/ expensive ones, but I need to recover the pc.

[dnkyMn]

@TheNewbpowner123 That is not true. I used my Windows installation disk at least 5 times lol.

[pakistansmostwanted]

it said 55 gigs or something in 30 secs Oo i run on i5 with 3.03ghz hows that possible?

[Cyanogenframework]

And what if you don't have an external hard drive..

[emopotatos]

i have WD to back up my files on my laptop, but when i back up all of my files, can i put them in a different PC? cuz im getting a new PC

[bmbpdk]

this is why i hate expert village:
you can not just copy and paste the program folder, and then copy/paste it back
1: all files for a program is not just located in the program files folder
2: all software writes an entry in the windows registry, wich means that copy/paste backup-method is useless
3: some "expert village" instructors really sucks!

[anonymous]

Someone's been playing runescape...

[baorichy]

do u play Runescape??? i saw jagex files... o.o
My name is Dave Andrews and i play Runescape :)

[jordysix]

this is the weirdest video ive ever watched