Backing Up My Mom's Laptop

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Here are a few steps I'd like to remember and recycle should the need arise


Procedure:
1. Start > Run > "recent"
2. Note the different file extentsions used (*.doc, *.xls, etc)
3. Install 7zip (or have a portable copy), if you dont have one already. LINK1
4. Start > Run > "cmd" ==> Command Prompt Opens
5. On Command Prompt, 7z a -r x:/ownername-backup.7z c:\*.doc c:\xls c:\*.mp3 ...

Advantage of this approach:
1. accessing "recent" items gives you a good idea of what file extension she uses.
2. 7z (command line 7zip) recursively searches the drive for your data, eliminating manually traversing her directory tree.
3. 7z maintains the directory structure. it makes it easier for them to find their data after restoration.

Optional Considerations:
1. you may use WinDirStat Portable (LINK2) to analyze the disk usage and identify the biggest directories.
2. in case, it has become difficult to use the default Windows Explorer, Free Commander Portable (LINK3) can become a very powerful shell replacement.

LINK1: http://portableapps.com/support/7-zip_portable
LINK2: http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/windirstat_portable
LINK3: http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/freecommander_portable
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