I have bought a external hard drive - how do I backup everything?

All Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> Backup.

Do a full back up to the HDD :)

The hard drive may have a backup program on it, If you would rather not use that, you can find a backup program already on your computer. you just have to look around for it. On some systems you would hit the F1 key and then ask for help about backup. Here is a link for a nice article about how to do it in Windows XP.

Just create the folders on the external HD with the names you want, then copy and paste your files to those folders. To backup your whole computer, you could use some of the programs mentioned above or maybe your pc already came with one.

On my external HD, I save all of my pictures, videos, music and documents. Also some programs, so I don't have to run them from the main HD.

EDIT: If you want to clone your hard drive, this tutorial can give you an idea: http://help.cnet.com/clone_hard_drive/9602-12576_3...

To back up iTunes, you can use the option on the iTunes menu, to back up your library: "File", "Backup to disk". You also have the import and export options.

Click on My Copmuter, and depending on how many hard drives you have .. it should be anything from E onwards.

Easiest way is to:

Click Start >> Run

Type:

sendto

Then right click, create shortcut.

Browse to find your location of your external hard drive under my computer.

Now you can RIGHT click virtually ANY file, or folder and on the send to menu you'll see your external drive.

Alternatively you can drag and drop.

If you mean backup, as in clone your Windows drive, get Acronis TrueImage 11.

Copy then paste only save music word files doc's etc do not backup system files as they could be corrupted. then when or if you re-install windows you have everything elce on the external drive mate. Then just put it back where it came from.

When u connect ur ext H/D assuming its thru ur usb port, ur PC will 'recognise it'. Click on 'start>my computer'..it will prob appear as drive E or some other letter. Open this drive and then go to and open 'mypics' and or'mymusic' and click and drag the relevant files across.(assuming your ext HD has enuff Gb!)..

It would be advisable to click on the 'safely remove hardware' button on the bottom right of your desktop b4 disconnecting..

HERES A VERY SIMPLE WAY!

click my computer on the desktop ( or start> mycomputer )

click on my documents and high lite everything in your music folder

copy everything u highlighted

plug in your new harddrive

in mycomputer click on your harddrive and paste your items there

Some externals come with a backup software but if it didn't then go to http://www.freeware-guide.com/dir/util/backup.html... They have some good utils

two option

1 maunal, copy and paste.

2 get a 'one click backup' program. (www.download.com)

If its just mp3's and jpeg's then option 1 will be easy enough.

Copy/ paste everything in my computer screen. OR you can just drag it over.