backing up files/emails in case of hard drive problem

Sar said:
I have done a search on this but I'm afraid I didn't follow a lot of the answers.
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How come? I thought that a lot of the threads dealing with the issues of backing up or cloning hard disks to avoid data loss were pretty detailed and clear myself. If you don't understand something specific in an existing thread then surely it would make more sense to post a question there rather than opening a brand new thread on an issue that has been covered in great detail before?

Have you also tried Googling for backup tips?
 
I use Outlook (full version with Office) and PST files. Theres other alternatives like Thunderbird (which is free), I haven't used them much though. I do it kinda like this, filter work email into Work.PST and personal email into Personal.PST. Then these files are included in backup, or sync to external drive. Every so often I date a copy of these files "20080202 Work.PST" and drop them on a archive DVD/CD. I do the same with my bookmarks/favorites docs photos, projects etc. This should be done every couple of weeks.
 
Sar said:
he wasn't that comfortable having to use the company to retreive his emails, etc.
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As an IT professional I find that quite insulting - assuming the company he used weren't complete cowboys I'd have as much faith in their confidentiality as I would in your fathers.

When he hired these people did he enquire as to their privacy policies etc? If not, then surely he is at fault for effectively handing his clients confidential data to the company?

As for losing client data - is his lack of a backup system not potentially an offence? E.g. data retention requrements, audit purposes etc. How can he be acting in the best interest of his clients when he leaves himself open to losing their data etc.
 
There are loads of simple options these days, including excellent online backup services...
 
It pretty much par for the course in IT that people are unhappy at giving their data, business machine or personal computer over to you. I'm not surprised at that. I work in IT and I'd think twice about giving any of my equipment to someone else. If it had my customers info on it then I'd think even harder.

However rmelly makes a good point about retaining customers data. Sar should get his Dad to look into his obligations in this regard.
 
What about just burning a DVD once a week, month with all the important folders.

Or pick up a USB external hardrive to do this. cheap enough now.

As long as the folders are not all over the place this should be handy enough.

If the laptop dies then all the important stuff is to hand.
 
Webmail is held on the web not on your pc, if your are receiving mails into outlook for example it is possible to backup the files.
 
burn all the files to a hard disk once a week and keep them well organised incase he needs them
 
Frank said:
Webmail is held on the web not on your pc, if your are receiving mails into outlook for example it is possible to backup the files.
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Thats my point. You need to download the emails to a file, using a client like outlook or thunderbird. I have a gmail.pst which I include in my backup.
 
I'd recommend an external hard drive along with Syncback (by 2BrightSparks). An external hard drive can be purchased from most online or retail computer stores and you can either purchase or use the free version of Syncback all online.

I'd also recommend you get an computer professional to review and test your backup and restore strategy as you can't put a price on piece of mind with important data.
 
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