If I were to reformat my computer, how can I specify a way to backup my files beyond setting it aside in other storage? I don't have another hard drive available and all I have otherwise is an almost full USB key and some blank CDs I never got around to using.
If you're talking about a true format, there is no way to preserve your data without backing it up somewhere. Burn some CDs of the files you want to keep and copy them back after the format.
Dell, Gateway, etc. pre-built systems typically have a 'non-destructive' format and OS reinstall option, but this isn't really a format so it may not fix whatever problem you're trying to deal with.
I guess it depends on why you think you need to reformat. Short answer is that by definition, you're losing all your data when you format. If you don't have another machine, or some flash memory, or some CD-R/DVD-R's, or another HDD to throw your files onto, you're out of luck.
Unless you have a spare partition sitting around, I'd warm up that burner.
Nitsuj82 on
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Sir CarcassI have been shown the end of my worldRound Rock, TXRegistered Userregular
edited March 2008
What I've always done is partition my drive to have a part set aside for Windows and related files, and then everything else. When I reformat, I only have to reformat that Windows partition. All my other files stay on the other partition. I just have to reinstall programs, but I'd have to do that anyway.
What I've always done is partition my drive to have a part set aside for Windows and related files, and then everything else. When I reformat, I only have to reformat that Windows partition. All my other files stay on the other partition. I just have to reinstall programs, but I'd have to do that anyway.
Good advice, but just to clarify for the OP, it's too late to do this now. Generally speaking, repartitioning is just as destructive as re-formatting.
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Rear Admiral ChocoI wanna be an owl, Jerry!Owl York CityRegistered Userregular
edited March 2008
I guess you could consider this solved, I was asking for a friend but I don't think he needs to know anymore. Still, it's good to know for later. Thanks!
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Dell, Gateway, etc. pre-built systems typically have a 'non-destructive' format and OS reinstall option, but this isn't really a format so it may not fix whatever problem you're trying to deal with.
I guess it depends on why you think you need to reformat. Short answer is that by definition, you're losing all your data when you format. If you don't have another machine, or some flash memory, or some CD-R/DVD-R's, or another HDD to throw your files onto, you're out of luck.
Good advice, but just to clarify for the OP, it's too late to do this now. Generally speaking, repartitioning is just as destructive as re-formatting.