How can I copy my files to an external drive?

Recently I almost lost my computer.

Something went dead. I was panicked. I had not backed it up.

I do not know how to do that anymore.

Finally, after weeks of fiddling, a highly skilled person came to my rescue.

Everything seems to be working as it should now.

But I am suddenly worried my old-tired machine may dive and never return.

Given this, I will purchase a new machine in the morning. (It has to be sent mail order).

I have two 1T brand new drives in an external case.

How can I move all my files to the external drives right away?

Any other thoughts?

I am using Windows 10.

Thanks for any help.

There are several strategies that you could use.

If your concern is just about files and documents that you have created or saved, including files that you may have downloaded, you can simply drag and drop them from your Windows drive to one of the external drives.

If you are interested in backing up EVERYTHING, including the Windows operating system, you can use a program that can create a complete disk image backup and save this to the external drive.

There are a few advantages to performing a complete image backup:

1) As noted, this backs up absolutely everything, making a complete duplicate of your Operating System drive.

2) If you are not certain of the location of all your important files, creating a complete image backup makes sure that you do not accidentally miss anything.

3) With a complete disk image backup, you don't have to restore absolutely everything if you lose any files. You still have the ability to selectivly resore just what you may have lost, but you have the flexibility to restore the whole drive shpould you need to do so.

If you give us some more details about your system and what your goals are we can provide further guidance. What I have supplied here is merely a rough idea of some ideas.

mikeincousa said:

Recently I almost lost my computer.

Something went dead. I was panicked. I had not backed it up.

I do not know how to do that anymore.

Finally, after weeks of fiddling, a highly skilled person came to my rescue.

Everything seems to be working as it should now.

But I am suddenly worried my old-tired machine may dive and never return...

The Simpsons - Edgar Allan Poe: The Raven - YouTube

Given my worry about a catastrophic collapse, my immediate goal it to get all of my files to a safe place ASAP.
At this time nothing else matters.

I happened on this last light.

It seems like it could be a buffer until I can get to a more sophisticated 3rd party option like ANOMIE.

Any cause for concern or worry????

Windows: Transfer to External Storage Instructions.
Move your files to a new Windows PC using an external storage device
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...e-c96e10dffdf5

Thanks for your thoughts and help.

Micael

I have been trying to sort out both items. I am lost at to what I need to do.

Do you have very basic tutorials for each?

I am seeing a video. That may help, but specific instructions would be a lot easier than sorting / figuring out out videos.