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Seagate is a manufacturer of hard disk drives, including external drives that can be used for backups. It is possible to back up files on your system drive simply by dragging and dropping the files in Windows Explorer while the backup drive is attached to your computer. You can also run scheduled backups automatically and back up files that are new or have changed since your last backup. You can do this in Windows or you can use the software included with your Seagate external drive.
Backing Up With Windows 7
And then choose 'Backup' -> click 'File Backup'. You can type a new task name in the box. Click 'Add File' to choose the files you want to backup or 'Add Folder' to backup folders. Choose a folder from your external hard drive to store file backup image. When you are ready, click 'Start Backup' to back up files to the. Most external hard drives connect via your computer's USB port, but some drives may use another connection protocol, such as eSATA. The external hard drive should be large enough to accommodate the backup. Microsoft recommends using a hard drive with at least 200GB of free space on it.
1.How Do I Backup My PC To External Hard Drive. WINDOWS: Open the Start Menu and search for “backup” using the search box. You should choose “Backup and Restore” option from the search results. In the pop up window, click on the “Set Up Backup” link and select the external hard drive as the location and click “Next” to complete the process. For automatic backup using Time Machine: Backup and Restore with Time Machine How to manually move your data to the drive on a Mac: There are many ways to move files to the External drive; they range from File Menu/Copy and Paste, right-click menu/copy and paste, and drag-and-drop, to keyboard commands. Please note that whatever option used, it is all controlled by Mac OS.
Press the 'Start' key on your keyboard or click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your desktop. Click 'Control Panel | System and Maintenance | Backup and Restore.'
3.Follow the on-screen instructions to select the folders you want to back up. If you decide to back up the entire drive, make sure the Seagate drive you use has at least the same storage capacity as the drive in your PC.
4.Follow the on-screen instructions to schedule your backup.
Backing Up With Seagate Software
1.Connect the Seagate external drive and browse it in Windows Explorer.
2.Double-click on the 'Seagate Dashboard Installer.exe' file and follow the on-screen instructions.
3.Open 'Seagate Dashboard' by clicking on the desktop icon or finding it in the Start menu.
4.Click 'Protect' followed by 'Protect Now' if you want to use the default backup. This backs up all files to your external drive and continuously checks for changes. It will ensure a comprehensive backup at all times, although you must ensure that your external drive remains continuously connected and powered on.
5.Click 'Protect' and then click 'New Backup Plan' if you want to customize the backup. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose which files and folders are backed up and the scheduling times. You can also choose to back up to online 'cloud' storage if you have access to such facilities.
Tip
- Seagate offers a range of 'upgrade' cables to replace those shipped with your drive. These cables usually allow you to back up more quickly, but you need to check and make sure they're compatible with the ports on your computer. These cables are not specific to Seagate and you can buy them from other retailers as well.
Warning
- Although backing up to a Seagate drive protects you against mechanical failure or a damaging virus on your PC, it does not necessarily protect you against fire or theft if you store the backup near your PC. If the backup drive contains critical information, store it in a different location or use online storage tools.
References (3)
About the Author
A professional writer since 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, John Lister ran the press department for the Plain English Campaign until 2005. He then worked as a freelance writer with credits including national newspapers, magazines and online work. He specializes in technology and communications.
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