How to backup files before formatting a laptop

EtopsHustle

11 Apr 201902:29

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

Outlines

00:00

💾 System Formatting and Backup Introduction

Frank introduces a tutorial on how to format a system and run a backup on a laptop. He starts by explaining the need for an external drive to back up files before formatting. He demonstrates connecting the external hard drive to the system and then proceeds to show how to copy files from the laptop to the external drive.

📁 Backing Up Files

Frank navigates to the Windows drive, which is the root of the system where Windows is installed and where his files are located. He opens the 'users' folder and accesses his main account to find all his files, including those from the desktop, downloads, music, contacts, videos, and pictures. He highlights the importance of selecting all necessary files for the backup and then copying them to the external drive.

🔄 Copying Files to External Drive

After copying the files, Frank shows how to paste them into a folder on the external drive. He has already created a folder on the drive to organize the backed-up files. The process involves right-clicking to copy the selected files and then pasting them into the designated folder on the external drive.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Format a system

Formatting a system refers to the process of preparing a computer's hard drive for reinstallation of the operating system. This typically involves erasing all data and restoring the hard drive to its original factory settings. In the context of the video, Frank is preparing to format his system, which is why he needs to back up his files first. The script mentions 'format a system' as the initial step, indicating the importance of this action in the overall process of system maintenance or reinstallation.

💡Backup

A backup is a copy of data that is stored separately from the original. It is used to replace the original data if it is lost or becomes inaccessible. In the video, Frank emphasizes the importance of backing up files before formatting the system to prevent data loss. The script describes the process of copying files from the laptop to an external drive, which is a common method of creating a backup.

💡External drive

An external drive is a portable storage device that connects to a computer to provide additional storage space. In the script, Frank uses an external drive to back up his files before formatting his system. This is a practical example of how an external drive can be used for data backup, ensuring that important files are safely stored and can be accessed even if the original system is wiped clean.

💡Windows drive

The Windows drive typically refers to the partition of a computer's hard drive where the Windows operating system is installed. In the video script, Frank mentions the Windows drive as the location where he needs to back up his files from. It is the root of the system and contains not only the operating system files but also user files and folders, making it crucial for the backup process.

💡Partition

A partition is a section of a hard drive that is allocated as if it were a separate, independent hard drive. In the script, Frank refers to the external drive as a partition, indicating that he has created a separate section on the external drive to store his backed-up files. Partitioning is a way to organize data and can also be used to create separate areas for different operating systems or backups.

💡Users folder

The Users folder is a directory in the Windows operating system that contains subfolders for each user account on the computer. It stores personal files such as documents, pictures, music, and videos. In the video, Frank navigates to the Users folder to locate and back up his personal files, which is a common practice when preparing to format a system or when organizing personal data on a computer.

💡Desktop

The Desktop is a user interface element and a virtual location on a computer where users can place shortcuts to files, folders, and applications for easy access. In the script, Frank mentions backing up files from the Desktop, which is an example of the types of user-generated content that might be stored in the Users folder and should be backed up to prevent loss.

💡Downloads

The Downloads folder is a standard folder in most operating systems where files that have been downloaded from the internet are saved by default. In the video script, Frank includes the Downloads folder in his backup process, which is a smart move as it captures any files that have been recently downloaded and might not be stored elsewhere.

💡Contacts

Contacts refer to the digital address book or list of personal or professional contacts saved on a computer or mobile device. In the video, Frank mentions backing up his contacts, which is crucial as losing contact information can be very inconvenient. This step highlights the importance of backing up not just documents and media files but also essential data like contact details.

💡Pictures

Pictures are a common type of personal file that users store on their computers, often containing photos and images of personal significance. In the script, Frank includes his Pictures folder in the backup process, which is an important step to ensure that irreplaceable memories are not lost when the system is formatted.

💡Paste

Pasting is the action of placing copied data into a new location. In the context of the video, after Frank has copied his files from the laptop, he pastes them into a folder on the external drive to complete the backup process. This keyword is used to describe the final step of transferring data from one location to another, which is essential for creating a backup.

Highlights

Introduction to the process of formatting a system and running a backup

The necessity of using an external drive for backing up files

Connecting the external hard drive to the system

Instructions on copying files from the laptop before formatting

Locating the Windows drive as the root of the system

Explanation of the folder structure within the Windows drive

Accessing the 'Users' folder to find personal files

Identifying the main account folder within 'Users'

Listing the types of files stored in the main account (desktop, downloads, music, etc.)

Highlighting all files for the backup process

Copying the highlighted files to the clipboard

Navigating to the external drive for pasting the copied files

Creating a folder on the external drive for organized backup

Pasting the copied files into the newly created folder on the external drive

Completion of the backup process

Emphasis on the importance of backing up all types of files for a comprehensive system format

The simplicity and effectiveness of the described backup method