Backups
Backups: the simple truth most people ignore (and how to do it right)
A backup is nothing more than a copy of your data.
If your computer dies, you buy a new one and copy everything back. No data lost. No tears.
Sounds simple? It is, if you do it properly.
But most people don’t. They think it won’t happen to me… until it does.
In my 35 years in banking IT, losing data was never an option. I’ve seen hard drives fail, laptops stolen, ransomware attacks, and good backups saved the day every time.
Here’s my straightforward guide to backups on Windows, no fancy tools, just what works.
What is data?
Everything on your computer:
Tax files
Photos and videos
Music
Documents
Blog ideas
Shortcuts
Downloads
Everything you’d cry about losing.
Backup media: what to use
Most external drives work fine:
External HDD or SSD
USB sticks (for small backups)
NAS if you want network storage
I don’t recommend cloud as your only backup, uploading everything takes forever, and you must encrypt properly (strong password, not a simple zip).
For a full explanation on 7-Zip encryption, get my 7-Zip Encryption Book for $5
Location: where to store backups
For everyday protection (hard drive failure), keep backups near your computer, external drive in a drawer.
But for real disasters (fire, theft, flood):
Make an extra copy.
Store it off-site: family, friend, or bank safe deposit box.
Family photos and irreplaceable files? Always one copy away from home.
Preparation: make backups easy
The secret to consistent backups: organize your files.
Put everything important in one master folder, C:\MyFiles.
Inside:
Music
Videos
Photos
Taxes
Books
Blog ideas
Read my full folder organization guide here:
Now backing up is simple: copy one folder.
Some files must stay outside (desktop shortcuts, app settings), back those up separately.
My simple backup routine
Monthly full backup
Connect external drive.
Delete old backup files (fresh start).
Copy MyFiles folder to the drive.
Off-site copy (every 3–6 months)
Same process on another drive.
Take it to family/friend.
Sensitive files
Encrypt with 7-Zip before off-site backup.
Lifetime of backup drives
Drives don’t last forever.
I have drives 8–10 years old still working, but I don’t trust them alone.
Rule: Use 2–3 rotating drives.
If one fails, you have others.
Deleting old data from backups
If you only add files, old deleted files stay on the backup forever.
When restoring to a new PC, you’ll waste hours cleaning junk.
Fix: full refresh monthly, delete everything on the backup drive, then copy fresh data.
Final thought
Backups are boring, until you need one.
Then they’re the best thing you ever did.
Set up your master folder today. Buy an external drive. Make your first copy.
You’ll sleep better.
What’s your backup routine? Perfect or non-existent? Share in the comments!
This brings us to the end of my post on Unreadable SQL.
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Disclaimer
All tips and methods mentioned in this blog are tested on Windows 11. Please note that results may vary on other operating systems or versions of Windows. Adapt the instructions accordingly.
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