Yes, it happens to me too.

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It's interesting because I used that same program to recover my progress from a game called N. http://thewayoftheninja.org/

That's the problem with backup apps you never really know if they're working until you actually need the backup. I got burned by one I thought was backing up my whole C:\Documents And Settings\Dan\ directory it left me with a 2 GB zip file which I thought was everything unbeknown to me it wasn't backing up hidden folders, bye bye Thunderbird profile and all my application settings.

Of course because I ASSUME it was working I never checked.

As we all eventually learn, the biggest mistake is presuming no mistake will be made. Welcome to the club. You have lots of company.

So how do I know if my backup harddrive is really backing up what I need? I did finally buy one and have it running, but have no idea how it works etc or how to check it.

I back up regularly to my external Maxtor, but I also burned all my music and photos to DVD just in case. I also have taken to ordering the cd when I purchase a new game. My friend's computer just crashed and took all their games with it.

Leo, that is one of the best - and most effective IT columns I've ever read! Absolutely outstanding!

We're all so bloody sharp, and so "in synch" with IT ... and then something very simple reminds us ... we're also HUMAN.

Seriously - Congratulations on one of the most "human" IT columns/lessons ever.

To answer Diana's question above, the only way to check is to do a real test: restore the data and see if it works. Better to practice now instead of when you really need it, right? Note that this requires some care and some knowledge of the files you're restoring, so you don't trash your system. I have 2 recommendations: 1) read the documentation that comes with the tools you're using, and 2) start out by restoring a simple file or directory that you can afford to lose.

Hi Leo a big thankyou and allso a pat on the back for printing this article and letting the rest of the world know that we are all human and not infallable, even the gurus we look to for help, and for pointing out that PC's dont allways behave as they should. Its no good saying "yes i regually backup",but do we allways check the backup.... i think not. You could have kept quite on that one but choose not to Top Man..

Many thanks Leo for this sensitive and revealing article. I'm delighted that you managed to recover the situation..

As for checking that backups actually work, there's a useful feature in Norton Ghost called verify or integrity check. This goes through the motions of restoring a backup image onto a specified hard drive, but doesn't actually change anything or transfer any data. You can use this to check that your restore images are OK.

I know you're a fan of Acronis True Image software (which I have also installed), but I don't think Acronis offers a verify facility - any other views?

A while ago I installed CrapCleaner which unfortunately cleaned out more Cr*p than was intended. so much so my PC would not boot up and I had to use my backup which worked fine but as the last back up was three months previous I lost 3 months of e-mails. If I was to use "Restoration" as Leo did, would I be able to bring back those lost three months of e-mail?

David

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