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How to backup files to reformat the harddrive?

Ok so my mom’s computer got a virus, and we dont really have the money to take it to somewhere to get it repaired…so I can just reformat the hard drive…btu the problem is she needs her schoolwork off of it so hse can get a job…and shes got tons of stuff so first question…shold I save it onto a CD-rom disk or flash drive..whichc is bigger and second question is there a way to save a bunch of things at once instead of individually otherwise this would take a really long time..please help, thanks

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Answer #1

There are free anti-virus programs out there. AVG is one. Avast is another. Symantec will do a free virus scan and ID (but not removal).

CD’s are cheaper but only hold 700 MB. (DVD’s go to 4.7 GB - use if you can.) Flash drives are various sizes, and more expensive per GB. First save the data files that are most important, then the rest of the data files. Don’t forget the My Doc folder and any e-mails and favorites. Don’t bother with programs unless absolutely needed. (Hopefully she still has the program disks, or can remember where she downloaded them.)

Once you get the data saved, make sure you scan it before reusing it as viruses are known to hide copies of themselves.

Good Luck !! And thanks for the reminder. I haven’t backed up my data for a while. My guess is that most people do NOT back up their data like they should.

Answer #2

yup, she certianley hasnt backed up her data, lol…Thanks thuoh I’ve got a bunch of blank DVDs so this will help a lot and…I know I’ve got a virus so …virus scanner wont help but thanks anyway for that =)

Answer #3

If you don’t want to try any Antivirus or virus removal programs, then yes you can reformat the hard drive - just so long as you have the System Restore/Windows disks with you, and do make sure you back all important disks and emails up before you wipe the drive. Whether you use a USB drive or CD/DVD, you will be able to select a whole bunch of files & folders at once, rather than individually.

Once the drive is wiped, and the OS reinstalled, you will need to put on any programs you might have had and put some updated versions of programs on. But, you’ll end up with a computer that should be faster than before and easier to use!

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