How can I create a backup of my work files?

Data corruption, accidental deletions, software installation, and computer upgrades can all lead to data loss. If you can't find the files you've toiled to create, having to recreate these can seem like a monumental task. Making a "backup" copy of the files you create can save you a lot of time and effort if your originals are corrupted or misplaced. Your computer is equiped with a CD or DVD drive which provides an easy way to make a copy of the files in your "My Documents" directory, or any other directory on your computer that contains the fruit of your labors.

To Backup My_Documents to your CD/DVD with Windows XP:

Insert a blank recordable CD or DVD into your computer
Double-click the "My Computer" icon on your desktop
Your CD/DVD drive should show up as a "Removable Disk" or should otherwise be appropriately labeled
Double-click the "My Documents" icon on your desktop
Click "Edit", then "Select all"
Click and drag the selected files in the "My Documents" windows, and drop them on the CD/DVD drive in "My_Computer"
Wait till the copy is complete, then "Right-click" the CD/DVD icon in the "My Computer" window, and select the option to "Write these files to CD".
Put your CD/DVD disk in a safe place, and repeat this procedure periodically as necessary.

DES 08/06