User's Manual

36 User Manual
7 Backup and recovery
As you add new software and data files, you should back up your system on a regular basis to
maintain a reasonably current backup. Back up your system at the following times:
■ At regularly scheduled times
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Set reminders to back up your information periodically.
■ Before the computer is repaired or restored
■ Before you add or modify hardware or software
Note the following when backing up:
■ Create system restore points using the Windows System Restore feature, and
periodically copy them to a disc.
■ Store personal files in the Documents library, and periodically back up this folder.
■ Back up templates stored in their associated programs.
■ Save the customized settings in a window, toolbar, or menu bar by taking a screen shot
of the settings. The screen shot can be a time-saver if you have to reset your preferences.
To copy the screen and paste the image into a word-processing document:
a. Display the screen.
b. Copy the screen:
◆ To copy only the active window, press alt+prt sc.
◆ To copy the entire screen, press prt sc.
c. Open a word-processing document, click Edit, and then click Paste.
d. Save the document.
■ You can back up your information to an optional external hard drive, a network drive, or
discs.
■ When backing up to discs, use any of the following types of discs (purchased
separately): CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, or DVD±RW. The discs you use depend
on the type of optical drive you are using.
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DVDs store more information than CDs, so using them for backup reduces the
number of recovery discs required.
■ When backing up to discs, number each disc before inserting it into an optical drive.
Backing up your information