If you have a computer with important information on it, it would be devastating to lose it all due to a system crash. It's always a good idea to back up important files in case something unexpected happens. Backing up picture and music files is also a good way to make a copy that you can share with friends and family. To assure your files are safe, you'll need a blank CD-R, a blank DVD-R, or a USB thumb drive with enough storage space to save your files.

Backing up Files on a CD

You'll want to gather your files in one place to begin with. Create a folder on your Desktop named "Backup." Within this folder, create folders specific to the types of files you'll be saving, such as "Office Documents," "Music," Taxes," "Personal," "Videos," and "Pictures." Browse your system for important files. Organizing the files in a comprehensive way is necessary, especially if you intend on saving large numbers of them. Search for all documents, pictures, videos, or any other files you don't want to lose. Make sure these files are named appropriately for easy access after you back them up. Copy each of these files by right-clicking on them and selecting "Copy," and paste them in an appropriate folder in "Back up" by right-clicking on them and selecting "Paste." Open the program you use to burn discs and select "Create Data Disc." Browse the application's file folders, and locate your "Back up" folder. Select this and make sure all the files you want to save are in it, and that they're in the correct folders. Insert the blank CD-R into your CD drive and click "Create Disc." Allow the project to complete, remove the disc from the drive, and write "Back up" on it with a permanent marker.

Backing up Files on a DVD

For saving files on a DVD, follow the above steps, but use a blank DVD instead of a CD-R. If you have a USB thumb drive, insert it into an empty USB port, and browse your computer for the appropriate USB folder. Open it and drag the "Back up" folder from your desktop into this folder. Then, choose "Safely Eject Device" from the system menu and remove the USB drive. Once you've safely saved your files, you can delete the "Backup" folder from the desktop. Each time you have new files you want to save, repeat the steps. If you plan on adding new files to the CD or DVD, you can choose "Leave Disc Open" before you select "Create Disc" in the disc creation software.

Source:

Microsoft: Backing up: What, How, Where

More Information:

USB Drives