Windows 10: Easy, free or cheap Backup Suggestions 2023

Your files should always be backed up because a hard drive can die at any time without notice. Don't be one of the many I've seen who are crushed by the loss of irreplaceable family pictures or valuable documents! Some suggestions are here based on helping for 14 years in forums with what works best: 1 You can sync your Desktop, Documents and Pictures folder using OneDrive Backup, or just drag valuable files into OneDrive folder, offering 5gb free with additional space for cheap, 1tb with MS 365 subscription: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/116029-turn-off-folder-protection-onedrive-

:)

 

Easy, free backup strategies for files and Windows (2023)

Here are easy, free backup methods so you never lose files or Windows if it becomes irreparable.

1) The safest and most reliable backup method is to sort your files into their User Folders (Documents, Desktop, Pictures, Downloads, etc) and periodically drag or copy them to external, which is otherwise kept unplugged to prevent ransomware attack. See tips for copying large groups of files here: The many ways to copy, move, or delete multiple files | PCWorld

2) Then have a Cloud backup to capture real time file changes, and so your files are safe from ransomware, fire and theft and easily accessible via the internet just like email. Some suggestions to help ease into this habit:

You can drag or copy 5gb for free (more for cheap, 1tb free with MS 365) into OneDrive app to store in the cloud where they are safe from fire and theft. You can also choose to sync the Desktop, Pictures and Documents folders (only) in OneDrive app Settings > Backup for real time backup. More here:

Turn On or Off OneDrive PC Folder Backup Protection in Windows 10

Turn On or Off OneDrive Folder Backup Syncing Across Windows 11 Devices Tutorial | Windows 11 Forum

Additional User data folders can be sync'd in real time to OneDrive using this method: How to move User Profile Data Folders to another Drive in Windows 11/10 ((Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially DO NOT INSTALL Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

3) If you install Google Drive Desktop, you can choose ANY User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15g for free to their cloud in real time. You can also drag/copy selected files into Drive folder. More here: Use Google Drive for desktop - Google Drive Help

4) Save a System Image backup stored externally so if Windows ever becomes irreparable you can restore C in 20 minutes and be up and running. Here's the best free imaging app and how to use it: https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/7363/macrium-reflect-is-a-free-and-easy-to-use-backup-utility/

If you were referred here from another thread, please post back results in that thread. Otherwise you can ask questions and share information in the Comments section below, including any broken links.

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Are DVD-R's a good, cheap and reliable backup option ?

+1 on W1z's suggestion. Do multiple backups everywhere. DVD's are particularly bad because they have unstable lifetimes.

 

Cheap Photo box that will get the job done

WEll i took on this project for PP hes a hardware reviewer and wants to get the professional looking pics for the Pc parts

Materials:

• Big cardboard box

• a razor

• white material 3 yards

• cone lights

• stapler

• medical tape

• pvc pipe about 6 inches longer than your box

• white paint any cheap finger paint would work

the project I'm guessing will cost me $30 if it works out properly
I will post pictures and step by step as i do it