What is hard drive backups?
411924
A hard drive back up stores the same information but on another location. So if your main hard drive gets ruined, you dont have to lose your data.
685394
There are several ways to copy data from one hard drive to another:\n\n    * Copy: Install both functioning hard drives in the same computer and copy the files via the operating system.\n    * Backup: Copy the data to an intermediary backup device or medium, such as a tape backup drive or a recordable CD or DVD, and then transfer the data to the destination drive.\n    * Network Copy: Install the new drive in a second computer, connect them to a network such as the Internet or a Local Area Network, and copy the files via HTTP, FTP, NetBIOS, LocalTalk, or Samba.\n    * Ghost Image: Create a ghost image of the source hard drive. A ghost image can archive the entire contents of a hard drive, including the data, filesystem, operating system, and partition table, to a single compressed file. The file can then be applied to a destination drive essentially creating a clone of the source drive. Among the software packages that can create clone images is Norton Ghost by Symantec. \n\nData Recovery\n\nIf the source hard drive is not functional, an option may be to use a hard drive data recovery service. These services can retrieve data from drives that have experienced hardware failure, but they may be expensive. Regularly back up sensitive data, especially if the hard drive is exhibiting any symptoms of impending failure, such as clicking, grinding, or other unusual noises. To locate a recovery service, open up your favorite search engine and type in "hard drive recovery."
601498
I used to do consulting work for banks...\nThey had a rule that all disks removed from system had to be taken out in the parking lot and physically smashed up with large hammers.   No way anyone was ever going to get that data back ;-)\n\nIf there is no other way to access the drive, you might consider just taking it apart and snapping the platter into a million tiny pieces.\n\nYou did take backups, right?  :-)
956437
I can recommend you to buy Acronis True Image 10.0. It will allow you to backup your entire PC or separated files and program settings. True Image will allow you to store your images on DVDs or another devices. It has a scheduler that will backup your data as often as you want. I think True Image is the fastest and effective backup software for now. \nlearn more about True Image here: http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
577320
due a full format and fdisk the hard drive.
910172
C Drive is your primary drive, which usually has your operating system.  What D drive is really depends on how you have partitioned your hard drive.  You can partition your hard drive space to form multiple drive letters.  If you have partitioned your hard drive, then D Drive is another part of your hard drive.  If you have not partitioned your hard drive space, then D Drive is probably your CD Rom drive or DVD drive.
747325
It stored all of your information and applications and programs. without a hard drive, a computer or laptop is nothing! :)
219898
If they came with your Dell, then you either have the backup disks (unless you lost them) or all the original software is stored on a separate partition on your hard drive.
465574
Seagate offers a free software to analyze your system and check out your hard drive.\n\nhttp://www.seagate.com/support/
428466
You need the Windows Backup Set (Microsoft Corporation)
294075
it's a form of network, share files and information, makes backing up easier. Various formats can be linked together
190904
The easist and most user friendly program I have found for hard drive copying is called CASPER XP. You can even back up your C drive while you are in it. I have 4 hard drives (two are backup ones) and I use this program all the time. They have a free version you can use to copy the whole drive. \nhttp://www.fssdev.com/products/casperxp/
396610
format the hard drive
1015751
while that method is legit, I suggest just backing them up on CD's.\nMake two copies of each for back-up, back-up.\nA external Hard drive still has all the potential problems as an internal its just- well external. a CD, as long as its not submerged into water for long periods of time, and not near, heat, direct sunlight, can last a life time.
694427
Of course, If you backed them up on your external one, just free your hard drive in your pc. I just do the same thing, I have my data protected out of pc on two external hard drives.
1035333
Save ur data and files same where in an external hard disk or CD or what ever and then format and reinstall the operating system again\n\nthe main thing to back-up is ur Desktop, My Documents and Favorites\n( it's in c:&#92;Documents and Settings&#92;"the user name")\n\nDon't forget Outlook and any other program that has data to be backed up.\n\nn_n Good Luck
222222
An external hard drive is for data storage, but is not contained in the computer case.  It is connected to the computer by plugging into a port on the outside of the case.  The advantage is that it is portable and can be unplugged and carried with you and plugged in another computer that can also store and retrive data from the drive.