How to backup computer software.

CD / COPY / DIR / XCOPY

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.

See the additional question and answers section for answers to other questions you may have about backing up your data.

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.

See the additional question and answers section for answers to other questions you may have about backing up your data.

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.

See the additional question and answers section for answers to other questions you may have about backing up your data.

I have files that 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

Pkzip
Winzip

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 that 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.