It is very important that all users backup their critical data on the computer. The
below steps on how to backup your important data on several operating systems.
MS-DOS can be difficult for users who may not be familiar with the operating system.
To backup data to a floppy within MS-DOS you will need to be familiar with the
below commands.
If you are unfamiliar with any of the above commands, clicking on any of the above links
will take you to pages containing information about each of the commands.
Once you have become familiarized with the above commands,
use the cd command to get to the directory containing your important data that you need to backup.
For example:
cd important
If you do not know the location of the files you would like to backup to a floppy
diskette, use the dir command and use the file name you wish to search for. The
below example would search for any word documents on your computer:
dir *.doc /s
Using the /s switch the computer will search the complete hard disk drive if you are at
the C:\>. If you do not know the extension of the files you are looking for, such as doc
as used in the above example, see our extension page.
Once you have located the files you would like to backup, use the copy command to copy
the files onto a floppy diskette. For example:
copy *.doc a:
Keep in mind that you may have more files which may fit onto a diskette, therefore you
may want to type dir to see the size of all the files combined. The maximum amount stored
on a floppy diskette drive is 1.44 MB.
To backup your data onto a floppy diskette in Windows 3.x, we recommend that you use File
Manager. To open file manager, from the Program Manager, open the main folder and within
main double-click the file manager icon.
Once in file manager, locate the files you wish
to copy and highlight them by single clicking them. You can also hold down CTRL and select
more than one file at a time. Once each of your files have been selected, click File from
the drop down menu and select the option to copy the files.
Once you have selected the option to copy your files, open the A: drive by clicking the
A drive icon. Once in the A drive, click File and then click paste.
Alternatively, you may also use the MS-DOS method or backing up your
files.
To backup your data onto a floppy diskette in Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, or XP, we recommend that you
use Windows Explorer. To open Windows Explorer, click Start / Programs and then click
Windows Explorer.
Once in Windows explorer, locate the files you wish to backup.
Once located, highlight the files and click edit and then copy.
Once this had been completed, open the A: drive under My Computer, click Edit and then click paste.
If you do not know the location of the files you are looking for, you can use the Windows
find utility, or if you are looking for data files,
it's a good possibility they may be in My Documents which is located in
C:\My
Documents folder.
I have files which are larger than 1.44 (the standard size of
a floppy). How can I backup these files or software?
When backing up files onto a floppy, you may encounter files or programs which are larger
than a standard floppy diskette. It is recommended to backup these programs using a
compression software utility such as
I have installed Microsoft Office and would like to back it up onto floppy
diskettes now.
Microsoft Office, like any large application or program, installs several files
throughout the computer's hard disk drive; therefore, simply saving the directory which
contains this program will not successfully backup the program. When purchasing Microsoft
Office or any large application or program, you should have received a CD or a set of
diskettes; these are what can install the programs if accidentally lost.
If a friend has installed their full legal version of this program onto your computer for
you, this is illegal and instead of simply having them install it again, it is recommended
you purchase the program.
