Saving info

[Chris C]

I'm going to have to "strip" my hard drive in the near future. I've never had that done before, and I don't quite know how to face the daunting task of saving everything important. I think I save all my files on Data DVD's, correct? I've figured out how to save all my desktop shortcuts to "My Documents". But I've got over 350 "Favorites" I don't know how to save. Anyone know any slick tricks to do that?

[Arne]

I've tried 'relocator' a couple of years ago, but it hung up half way through the move to my new computer.....

A new one called 'move it' is available....

Go to Kim Komando's site and do a search.... she had some good information about this, assuming you are going to a new computer.

or look here: http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,117329,00.asp

[toypusher]

I'm going to have to "strip" my hard drive in the near future. I've never had that done before, and I don't quite know how to face the daunting task of saving everything important. I think I save all my files on Data DVD's, correct? I've figured out how to save all my desktop shortcuts to "My Documents". But I've got over 350 "Favorites" I don't know how to save. Anyone know any slick tricks to do that?

With Internet Explorer open - File- Import and Export - You will get a wizard, select what you want to do 'Export Favorites', click next, Next again if you want all of them, select a place to save them, click Next, Click Finish. When you get IE up on you new install, just use the wizard to import your favorites again!

[toypusher]

Also, If you use Outlook (NOT outlook express) you can do an export and save it as a .pst and it will include your favorites as well as all of your email! Do an export to file and then a 'Personal File Folder (.pst)' Make sure and select 'Personal Folders' and check the 'Include subfolders' checkbox.

[toypusher]

Chris,

Just wondering - why are you doing this?? Gettting a new HD and reinstalling or what?

[Chris C]

Kerry,

I've got several things that have been going on with my computer which make no sense. (i.e. programs failing to respond, inability to send more than 1 photo through e-mail if it's not compressed, etc., etc., etc.) My cousin is a computer tech and builds computers for a living..........and built mine........and said as many crashes and virus' (all before avast antivirus) as I've had, it would probably fix things if he'd just strip my HD and start over installing my programs.

[toypusher]

I see and I would tend to agree with that. Hope he does an fdisk on it and not just a reformat! Don't know his abilities, but it is best when doing something like this to delete all partitions and repartition and then reformate. Actually I would use a little program called 'debug' for the ultimate redo of an HD. The only problem is that debug and render a HD totally useless if not used properly!

Hope the other posts helped you save your favorites!

[Chris C]

One of the regular "customers" he has is the U.S. Gov. He strips their computers before they discard. He has a program that makes it impossible for even the CIA to read the old HD. It will be clear when he starts to install my programs. He thinks whatever is causing my problem isn't a bug because we've run every kind of virus software he as access to. Plus I run a "thorough" scan once a week with avast........and that takes 4+ hours!

By the way..............your instructions were quite clear and I was able to save in just a few seconds. Thanks.

[toypusher]

Chris,

I have the same program (or one very like it). Your registry is probably really hosed up and a fresh install should set things right. If he has it, he could try using a program called JB16 Power Tools first to really clean up the registry. But it sounds like you already have a game plan in place and working! Good Luck with it!

I have to go do some real 'High Tech' stuff now - grocery shopping!

[Chris C]

Now theres a "tech" I understand.

[toypusher]

I'm back and it only cost me $66 and change today! That is because we are in the process of changing houses and don't want much on hand at any given time. Now that takes more savy than I usually have to have for the grocery store!

[Jiminsav]

one word...LINUX

[Sonetpro]

When I did that I used Norton ghost. I got everything back. I did it when I upgraded to a larger hard drive. Sounds like you have registry problems.
Ghost will ghost your drive and programs but not your registry. Never tried it on the same harddrive though. Maybe you ought to think about a larger hard drive. Prices are pretty cheap now and you wouldn't believe what a increase in performance you will see.
just my $0.02

[Sonetpro]

one word...LINUX

Best Operating system for being on the internet. Your invisible.