I know that I’m supposed to back up my computer frequently. I’ve learned this lesson more than once.
But hey, oops, I did again.
My laptop refused to start today. It wasn’t a surprise. I’ve been having to fight my way on to the computer for weeks. Somehow, when the stars were perfectly aligned and I paid sufficient homage to Norton Systemworks, the computer would grant me entry and allow me to do my work.
Today, it told me that we were through. I would have to find a new computer.
Well, that wasn’t exactly a hardship. I’ve been eyeing the faster, sleeker models and couldn’t wait to pick up a new laptop. And, boy oh boy, you can get an awesome laptop at insanely low prices. Computer prices have dropped so low that they’re almost disposable goods (and they’re clogging landfills like disposable diapers too!)
So, I was loving handling my new computer until I realized that all my Microsoft Office files were gone. I’d been feeling pretty smart because I had all my pictures on an external hard-drive, and I figured everything else could be easily found or recreated. My financial date is backed up by an online Quicken service. Also, many of my files have been safely uploaded on Yahoo Group forums.
Well, I realized that I had a problem when I opened Microsoft Outlook. All of my contacts, distribution lists, and inbox folders were gone. Fortunately, I had a backlog of email on Yahoo so I’m using this to find all the email addresses. But, it’s a tedious process.
Next time, I’ll be ready. I’m going to set up the Western Digital 1 Terrabyte My Book Dual Drive External Storage System to make it easy to back up data from anywhere in the house. I’m going “to set it and forget it” so that back ups happen automatically. Otherwise, I know that I’ll be singing “oops, I did it again” in the not so distant future.
Receive free On Living By Learning articles by email. Click this link.
{ 0 comments… add one now }