Backing up Data
Backing Up Personal Data/Files
You are responsible for making backups of personal data/files stored on the ThinkPad.
Why back up my data/files?
Files and data can be lost through viruses, accidental deletion, hardware failure, or theft of the computer. Backups will reduce the impact of such occurrences. In addition, if you are bringing the ThinkPad to Information Systems for ThinkPad exchange or repairs, your data must be backed up prior to service.
How often should I back up my data/files?
A good rule of thumb is to back up your data/files whenever you have done enough work that you would not want to re-create it if your changes were lost. Also, data/files should be backed up before the junior ThinkPad exchange. Always back up your data before you bring the ThinkPad to the Help Desk walk-in area for repairs.
How do I make a backup?
Use the RecordNow software installed on the ThinkPad to write your files to a CD-R or DVD-R. A CD-R holds 650-800 MB of data/files and takes up to 20 minutes to burn. A DVD-R holds 4.7 GB of data/files and takes up to 60 minutes to burn. The College Bookstore carries CD-Rs and DVD-Rs.
What type of CDs or DVDs should I use?
CD-Rs and 8X DVD-Rs are recommended. CD-RWs, DVD-RW and DVD+R discs may not be readable on all computers and are not recommended.
Using RecordNow
RecordNow has the ability to span backups across multiple CDs or DVDs. Below are instructions for recording data to one disc and recording data that spans multiple discs. The ThinkPad will write to both CD-R (preferred) or CD-RW, and DVD-R (preferred) or DVD+R.
Recording Data to One Disc
- Begin by opening the RecordNow program found at Start > Backup > RecordNow Data.
- Insert a blank disc into the drive.
- In the navigation pane on the left, click on Data to expand the data options, then click Data Disc.
- Use the Add Data button to add files to the list for backup or drag and drop folders onto this window.
- Once the list of files is complete, press the red button in the lower right corner of the screen to begin writing the data to the CD or DVD.
- As the data is copied to the disk, a progress bar and countdown time will appear at the bottom of the screen.
- When the process is complete, the disk will eject from the drive.
Recording Data that Spans Multiple Discs
- Begin by inserting a blank disc into the drive.
- In the navigation pane on the left, click on Data to expand the data options, then click Data Disc.
- Use the Add Data button to add files to the list for backup or drag and drop folders onto this window.
- When backups exceed 700MB on a CD or 4.7GB on a DVD, a note indicating the number of blank media required to backup the selected data will appear on the lower left of the screen.
- Press the red button in the lower right corner of the screen to begin writing the data to the disc.
- The user will be asked to confirm the number of disks that will be required for the project. Click YES to continue.
- As the data is copied to the disk, a progress bar and countdown time will appear at the bottom of the screen.
- When the disc is full, the user will be prompted to remove the first disc, insert the next disc and continue.
- When the process is complete, the disc will eject from the drive.
Adding Additional Files to a CD-R or DVD-R
The default in RecordNow is set to record single-session discs. This is due to the fact that files 4 GB and larger may not be readable on all computers using the multi-session setting. To record a disc that can be appended later with more files, go to the Tools menu and click Options. In the Options window navigation pane, click Data and check the option “I would like to use discs for more than one recording.”
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