Periodically creating backups for important files will help you avoid accidentally losing important data when things go wrong. Additionally, you should backup files and bookmarks before transferring to a different workstation, or if your workstation is being replaced. Your files and settings do not transfer automatically from computer to computer, so creating backups will help save your data and transfer it to another computer.
1. Backup browser bookmarks
First, back up the bookmarks for whichever browser(s) you use and some of your desktop and Outlook settings:
2. Backup desktop settings
Go to the backup file in Box. Download and run the file. This file will automatically backup some desktop settings.
A command prompt window will open. The prompt will ask you to close all applications. Once everything is closed, press any key, and the backup script will run.
Once the script is finished, the command prompt window will read “Backups have been completed”. You can press any key to end the script and close the window. Some files and settings have been backed up to your H drive. You can go there and find the folder called “backup19”.
3. Backup computer files
Next, be sure that any files you wish to save (from the desktop, C:\ drive folders, etc) are copied into your H:\ drive or Box. Any files that are not in your H drive, a G drive, or Box will be erased during a re-imaging or hard drive replacement process and will not remain with you if you move to a different workstation. The Help Desk suggests that you create a folder on your H drive or in Box specifically for backed up files. There are multiple ways you can copy your files:
- Select and copy files and folders to your H drive or select files to upload to Box.
- Use Windows to backup files.
- You can set up Box Sync on your computer to regularly backup your files to Box.
Note: If you do not have an H drive or are unsure how to access it, please contact the Help Desk.
If your computer is being rebuilt or you are transferring to a different workstation
Please take this chance to note any programs you use outside of internet browsers, Microsoft Office, Voyager, Adobe Reader, and OCLC. We will need this information to manually reinstall specialty software upon rebuild.
The standard software applications that will be installed on all staff workstations include:
- Adobe Reader
- Internet Explorer
- Google Chrome
- Software Center
- Skype for Business
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Access)
- Mozilla Firefox
- OCLC Connexion
- VLC media player
If you use any other software for work that is not on this list, please let us know as we prepare the computer.
4. Restore bookmarks and files to the new machine
An IT staff member will restore Voyager and OCLC settings to your machine.
Restore bookmarks
Please follow these instructions to restore your browser bookmarks, desktop settings, and Outlook settings:
Map network drives
Any previously saved connections to network drives (H drive, G drive, any servers) may not transfer to a new or rebuilt machine. You can map the network drives to the new machine by following these instructions to map G or H drives.
Restore files
Retrieve your copies from your H drive or Box and copy them back to your hard drive. Or, continue using the H drive or Box as the main drive for your files. The H drive is backed up regularly by IT, and Box is regularly backed up independently, so if anything goes wrong, your files will remain intact.
Go to the Box file for restoring files to download and run the file. Make sure all other applications are closed, and press enter. The script will restore files and settings from the folder “backup15” in your H drive. This will only work if you have completed step 2 above.
Create shortcuts
Create desktop shortcuts or pin programs to the taskbar for commonly used files, folders, or programs so that you can easily open them.