Emergency Backup Procedure

Scope:
This information is written on the assumption that you have no experience in copying files. It is a simple process. A step-by-step process is explained below.lost partition recovery

The process makes an emergency copy of your important files such as letters, photographs, music and other important files prior to removal of malware from your computer

If you are reading this because you have an infected machine and need to backup (copy) your data files, it must be understood that there is a risk of copying contaminated files. The emergency backup made in the fashion described below must be kept quarantined until you computer is declared clean by our qualified analysts. You must not use or open any file in your backup copy until the analyst advises you. You will be given advice on checking and cleaning the emergency backup later.

Emergency Backup Procedure

This is a simple procedure and does not need any special software. It uses the built in procedure of ‘Copy & Paste’.

Windows 95, 98, ME and XP:
Most of your important data will be in ‘My Documents’.

Vista:
Vista has a slightly different folder structure. Most of your important files will be in Documents, Downloads & Music etc. The general copy and paste method is the same but you have to include the extra folders.format recovery

Storage of emergency copy:
You can store your emergency copy on any media; Hard drive, CD/CVD/Blue ray/Tape/SD or CF card or what have you.

This emergency backup is to be kept only as a temporary measure and in all probability will be deleted after it is confirmed that your machine is clear of malware and that your data are safe.

That said, as you may one day forget what is on a disk, it is not recommended to copy it to hard media such as CD/DVD for long term archiving due to the risk of re-introducing malware via contaminated files. If that is the only option, it is best to destroy the emergency copy after your machine is declared clean

The ideal place for storing an emergency backup is on a separate hard drive or other device such as an external hard drive, USB memory stick, SD/CF card or any device that will be seen as a mass storage device by your computer.

How to copy your important files:

Win 95, 98 me and XP
1) Click the Start button at the bottom left of your screen