Worst Case Scenario
Straight Forward Computing would like to remind you just how important it is to keep your paperwork and software that came with your computer. Just in case your computer's hard drive should fail, the software that you have purchased will need to be reloaded to the new hard drive. Paperwork will also allow your computer technician or repair to look into the warranty and make sure all the programs will be back on the computer. Even if your computers warranty has expired, there is a good possibility that your hard drive is still under warranty. This is where the paperwork will come in handy and can be used to replace the hard drive, saving you more money. Also, without the original software, uploading the computer will take a longer time to complete costing more time and money. Remember to back up your files, pictures and documents that you may need in case your hard drive does fail.
Back Up Your Files!
Backing up your files and folders is essential for a clean install on your new hard drive. This section is going to focus on steps to backup your files and important documents.
Thumb Drive
Thumb drives are a good and inexpensive way to carry information with you from place to place. Back ups should be taken off site with you, to ensure that if there is a fire, flood or another natural disaster you can restore the files on your new system. Also a cardinal rule about keeping backups, don't store PIN numbers, accounts and personal information with your social security number. Identity theft is becoming all too common.
1.) Plug your thumb drive into the USB port and allow the computer to recognize the new hardware. You should notice messages appearing in the bottom right of the screen for new hardware, and finally "your hardware is now ready to use."
2.) Once the drive is fully installed, you will be given the option to view the folders on the drive. Open the folder to view the files as that is the best option to save your files using the drag and drop feature.
3) Locate the files that you want to back up, such as the word documents and finances and using the left click, drag the file to the thumb drive window.
External Hard Drive
An external hard drive allows for more storage, and requires a few more steps to get started. Unlike the thumb drive the computer will not recognize the new hard drive, because wou will lhave to actually assign a letter to the hard drive and format the hard drive. External hard drives come with a hard drive holder or case, plug the hard drive into the USB port (if it is a USB case) or into the serial port.
