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Does Carbonite back up my computer software programs and all my data, documents, and video files?
March 4th, 2010 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual reader submitted question:
Q: Does Carbonite back up my computer software programs and all my data, documents, and video files?
A: With unlimited online backup storage, Carbonite can back up everything on your computer including your programs. By default, it's not set up to do that, so you'll have to specify that in the preferences. But before you do, consider why it's not initially set up to do that:
- Time: These days, programs are huge. Even though they only need to be backed up once, they will significantly increase the time taken for an initial backup, and likewise a restore (remember, this is all being sent over your broadband connection). If you need to restore any programs after a crash, they will reinstall much faster from disc.
- Functionality: Program installation is a bit of a science, at least on the part of the software. When you install a program, that installation package is busy putting a lot of program components in very specific places. If you simply restore a program onto a clean hard drive, it may not function like it used to, or at all.
So, the best policy is to use Carbonite for all those irreplaceable files like documents, photos, and emails, and use the original installation discs that came with your software for the programs.
3 Responses to “Does Carbonite back up my computer software programs and all my data, documents, and video files?”
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March 31st, 2010 at 10:59 pm
The problem though is that a lot of programs don't come with installation discs anymore. Everything is downloadable or it's not given to you. For example, I purchased a Lenovo computer- no disks. Vista came on the computer, but I was not given the disks. I have carbonite and my worst fear is that my computer crashes and I have to go purchase new softwarefor the things that I am no longer given discs for.
There has got to be an easy way to upgrade and move from an old computer to a new one without having to track down all the programs that you now don't get discs for.
April 3rd, 2010 at 9:03 pm
As for backing up Program Files including all setup files, etc., and everything on the hard drive, I do this a couple of ways:
1. Acronis True Image – A great bu program that makes a full image of your drive including programs/software. I make an image of everything on the hard drive when you do a full bu. When I got a new machine, I was able to restore the backed up image with everything on it.
2. An external backup drive onto which you can backup everything on the hard drive, not just Program Files.
3. So that I'll know exactly what is on my machine — everything — not just Program Files/software, one of the greatest FREE programs on each is Belarc Advisor (belarc.com). I've told countless people about this. It gives you a total — I mean total — profile on everything on your computer. Go to belarc.com. It will process the profile. When finished, I print hard copy to study, then Save As "Belarc 3-10-10", for example. I save each belarc I do and date it. I even backup the each profile on memory sticks on my machine. This program is so great, I'd probably pay $100 do have it. Do try it. Ellen
June 29th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Backing up your computer is a must today. So many people don't even think about it. It's worth it when you need it most. Great article!