Pegasus (MVP) wrote:
> Open the case, then remove the hard disk. In this way you are
> fully protected against any mistake the technician might make.
> He can still test your PC - either without a disk or with his own
> disk.
>
> A little voice in the back of my mind just whispered "Here is
> yet another PC user who does not believe in backing up his
> important files. He prefers to wait until he suffers a big hit,
> then he will ask for advice on how to restore his lost files."
> Should I tell this little voice to be quiet?
Another little voice says, there are some nice and tiny backup
drives, external ones, that connect via USB. This one has good
reviews, compared to some of the competition whose external
products suffer from drive failures. This one uses a 2.5"
drive, and the raw drive specs suggest it draws on the order
of 2.5 watts while running.
Western Digital Passport Portable WDXMS2500TN 250GB 5400 RPM USB 2.0 External $147
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16822136139
The important files can just be copied over, directly to the
drive. Just plug in the drive, it will likely already be
formatted, and then copy over your accumulated data files.
You can get fancier, with backup software, such as products
that will backup the whole disk and make a recovery CD for you
as well. But the important first priority is to get the
"accumulated over the years" protected first, and then worry
about how to backup the boot drive in a later step.
Paul
>
>
> "MapleE." <someone|@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:eTb788aCIHA.1056@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> Hi:
>> Thanks both for the candid responses as to needing a computer tech.
>>
>> Before bringing it in the computer store, how to protect personal
>> information
>> that I accumulated over the years? Also, other useful caution before it
>> would be
>> truly appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>>
>> "Pegasus (MVP)" <I.can@fly.com> wrote in message
>> news:OJ7Z%23laCIHA.324@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> "MapleE." <someone|@comcast.net> wrote in message
>>> news:OQvR2caCIHA.4176@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>> Hi:
>>>> Thanks for the response.
>>>>
>>>> There is 'Blue light' comes when turning on the computer that indicate
>>>> the computer starting on. The computer is HP Pavilion a1310n that I
>>>> purchased about three to four years ago from Circuit City.
>>>>
>>>> Blue light of the computer at the bottom part is 'switch.' Practically,
>>>> 'Switch/blue light' seems starting malfunctioning? If it's the case,
>>>> what
>>>> should I do, ... except bringing it to the computer store?
>>>>
>>> If you have experience with hardware then you can try and
>>> replace this switch. If not then it's down to the computer store.
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>