Delete Partition, Fresh Install, and Backup Personal Files

[RogerPodacter]

I know there are plenty of threads/guides on how to remove the partition and perform a clean WinXP install. But i was asking for advice from anyone on what the best way to backup my personal files, i.e. mp3s, Word Documents, My Documents, etc... before i format my hard drive.

I only have 1 hard drive, the 40 gig that came with my 2378-FVU, and i am ready to delete the partition and reinstall windows to "clean up" my OS. Does anyone have any advice or tips on how to backup and save my personal data without having to burn a zillion cds? Any relatively easy way to do this? Or perhaps direct me to a thread which outlines this? Thanks for any help you guys can provide.

RP

[jdhurst]

Creating another partition on the same drive won't protect against harsh physical failure or computer loss, so it is not a very good alternative. There are four (or more) alternatives to CD's.
1. Ultrabay hard drive and backup files to that
2. USB hard drive and backup files to that
3. Purchase an internet-based backup service - prices are reasonable.
4. Back up to another home computer (which is what I do).
... JD Hurst

[ZaZ]

I like option two the best. If you want to share your info with someone else, it is much easier to do with a USB drive than a modular drive. If you have access to a DVD burner, DVDs can hold 7x the info of a CD. I personally use a USB drive and burn my stuff onto a couple DVDs. Good Luck.

[bill bolton]

> I like option two the best.

It works very well for me when working out in the field, where connectivity to anything remote form my immediate environment can sometimes be an impossible dream.

Cheers,

Bill

Sydney, Australia

[RogerPodacter]

Thanks. I would like to dump everything to another hard drive, but unfortunately i am away from home and have nothing with me except my laptop. And i dont think its worth it to buy any additional hardware. So i've started the arduous process of burning individual cds to backup my 10 gigs of pictures, 10 gigs of mp3s, etc.

I am going to partition my hard drive seperately for OS and personal files. Anyone have recommendations for these partition sizes i should use when i only have a 40 gig hard drive?