How to backup files before formatting a laptop

Summary

In this instructional video, Frank demonstrates the process of backing up files before formatting a laptop. He starts by connecting an external hard drive and then navigates to the Windows drive to locate the 'Users' folder, which contains personal files such as documents, music, and videos. After selecting all necessary files, he copies them to the external drive by creating a new folder. The video serves as a guide for users to safely back up their data before performing a system format.

Takeaways

• 🖥️ To format a system and run a backup, start by connecting an external hard drive to the system.
• 📂 Access the Windows drive to locate the root of the system where files are stored.
• 👤 Open the 'Users' folder to find personal files, including those from the desktop, downloads, music, contacts, videos, and pictures.
• 🗂️ Select all the files you wish to back up by highlighting them.
• 📋 Use the right-click option to copy the highlighted files.
• 🔄 After copying, navigate to the external drive to find or create a folder for the backup.
• 📁 Paste the copied files into the designated folder on the external drive to complete the backup process.
• 🔒 Ensure all important files are backed up before proceeding with system formatting.
• 🛠️ Formatting a system involves erasing all data and settings, so a backup is crucial to avoid data loss.
• ⚠️ Be cautious when formatting a system, as it will remove all existing data and settings.

Q & A

What is the first step Frank takes to prepare for formatting his system?

The first step Frank takes is to back up his files by connecting an external hard drive to the system.

How does Frank access the root of the system where Windows is installed?

Frank accesses the root of the system by navigating to the Windows drive, which is the location where Windows is installed and his files are stored.

What folder does Frank open to locate his personal files for backup?

Frank opens the 'Users' folder to locate his personal files for backup.

What are the different types of files Frank mentions are stored in the 'Users' folder?

Frank mentions files such as desktop files, downloads, music, contacts, videos, pictures, and documents are stored in the 'Users' folder.

How does Frank select all the files he wants to back up?

Frank selects all the files he wants to back up by highlighting them in the 'Users' folder.

What action does Frank perform after highlighting the files for backup?

After highlighting the files, Frank right-clicks to copy them.

Where does Frank paste the copied files for backup?

Frank pastes the copied files into a folder he created inside his external hard drive.

What is the purpose of creating a folder inside the external hard drive according to the script?

The purpose of creating a folder inside the external hard drive is to organize and store the backed-up files.

What does Frank mean by 'copy or defer' in the script?

It seems there might be a typo or misunderstanding in the script. The correct phrase could be 'copy and then paste', which refers to the process of transferring files from one location to another.

What is the final step Frank mentions in the script for backing up files?

The final step Frank mentions is pasting the copied files into the folder on the external hard drive.

Is there any mention of a specific software or method for formatting the system in the script?

No, the script does not mention any specific software or method for formatting the system. It focuses on the backup process before formatting.