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Now Where is that file..............?
by Carol Hoak, with contributions from all the Platinum Designers
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 Oops!
Have you ever said that, just after you deleted a folder or file? Is it hiding in the recycle bin, or is it permanently gone?
Have you ever noticed that your computer has taken lessons from your sewing machine? We all know the second we walk away from a design being stitched out, the sewing machine will burp, or break. Now, our computers are doing it too - no warning, just ~~POOF~~ - and there goes the hard drive! Well, they say it will happen to every just about everyone - so what we need to do is be prepared. One thing you certainly need to do is plan to make regular back ups of all your precious files and pictures. If you suddenly lose your hard drive, recovery may not be possible. A few minutes spent making a back up copy on a regular basis could save many hours of problems and lost data later! There are many options available to you, but the important thing is to remember to record all your files to a cd, an external hard drive, or even memory sticks, and to further protect yourself - store these somewhere else! Some people take them to their safe deposit box at the bank on a regular basis. Off site storage is the best choice in case of fire or flood, but securing your copies and storing them somewhere else in your home will usually be enough. This is a reminder to *please* backup up your designs on a regular basis, especially those you have purchased. In fact, purchased designs should be downloaded to a hard drive and then *immediately* backed up on an external medium, such as a floppy disk, zip disk, or CD. Many designers are getting too many requests to resend designs that have been lost in a computer crash. Some of them are beginning to charge for this replacement service. To avoid additional charges, back up your designs *now* and regularly. Platinum Embroidery does NOT have a charge, but we do request the order number, or some means of tracking the original purchase for verification. But just take a look at your design folders - and think about how long it would take you to find proof of purchase, and contact all those designers! Not to mention the free sample designs you may have downloaded. Many times, they are available for a limited time, and the designers will not send out freebies to replace ones you have lost.
Just so you don't forget - there are a number of ways you can set up a reminder.
Google has an online calendar http://www.google.com/calendar/render With that one, you can have the reminders come up as a pop on your computer desktop and/OR sent as an email. Outlook has a calendar, but it isn't part of Outlook Express. And here are 2 free calendar/reminder programs that can be put on your desktop: And many other programs may come with a reminder service as part of the program. For example, Hallmark Card Studio comes with something called Event Planner. It's basically a calendar where you can put in all your appointments, birthdays, etc, and set it up to remind you in advance. So find the one that works the best for you, and pick a time when you can back up your files on a regular basis. Send yourself a reminder, and don't let a computer failure catch you unprepared! -------------------------------------------------------- Teri Sullivan has provided this information about back up options:
There are additional ways to back up your designs, and the method you choose is dependent upon your external storage options as well as your operating system. Some versions of Windows XP, for instance, have a backup utility included under Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools. Alternatively, you can purchase one of a number of backup programs, such as Turbobackup from:
http://www.filestream.com/turbobackup/ My absolute favorite option, however, is an online backup service called Carbonite from:
It's extremely easy to install, very user friendly, and it works constantly in the background so that you hardly know it's there. But what a comfort to know your designs are always safe! Well worth the $49.95 annual fee. How much is your design collection worth? Email me at teri@sewterific.com for a referral before you try the 15-day free trial and you will get an extra month of free backup service when you purchase! I know you will love this service!
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