Application/Service/Description
This is a step-by-step guide on how to back up or transfer your data.
Introduction
These instructions list the steps you need to take to move and back up your data before the IT department provides you with a new/replacement computer or has to re-image or upgrade your computer.
Instructions
Data Back up
The most important task is to copy your data files off of your current computer such as things stored on the C: drive on a Windows computer or Macintosh HD (hard drive) on a Mac. Move these files to another location such as OneDrive, a flash drive, external hard drive or other appropriate storage device. One drive is the preferred location.
The main locations to check for files and copy files from on a Window's PC are:
- Desktop
- Documents
- Downloads
- Pictures
- Windows (C:) (if you have created specific files here)
- Macintosh HD (if you have created specific files here)
- Music
- Videos
Files you want to copy include:
- Word files
- Excel files
- PowerPoint files
- Access files
- Publisher files
- PDF files
- Adobe files
- Database files
- Any email you've stored locally instead of keeping it all on the server.
- Endnote
- Sticky Notes
- OneNote lists
- Music files
- Image files
- Any other files you don't want to lose
- Pages (Mac)
- Numbers (Mac)
- Keynote (Mac)
Once we've installed your new computer/operating system, copy them back to your new computer.
Environment Back up
The person upgrading your computer will help you back up the following types of files and settings when performing the upgrade. Just be sure to let him or her know that you want to save any of the following:
- Network printers
- Network shares
- Templates and macros for Word, Excel, etc.
- Bookmarks/favorites from your web browser – export to your Onedrive to be transferred
- In Firefox go to Bookmarks > Show all Bookmarks > Import and Backup > Export Bookmarks to HTML. Save the file bookmarks.html to your Onedrive.
- Wallpaper and/or screensaver files
If you installed any personal photos and want them again, make sure to save files to your Onedrive.
- Custom sound files and sound profiles
- Desktop shortcuts
- Note any shortcuts that you will want to recreate on a list/document saved on your Onedrive. If shortcuts are to specific files, make sure to write down the file location.
- ODBC connections for working with College financial data and data reporting
- OneNote lists