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Question

backing up system with external hard drive

Jul 20, 2012 3:03PM PDT

I am having a problem with my arrow keys working intermittently. I purchased this Acer computer on 4/19/12 and I can't remember exactly when this became pretty noticeable. I called for Acer support and they want to download a driver and suggested that I backup everything because they will put the computer back to the factory default. The only problem is that I am not capable/and or confident that I would handle this correctly. Acer will charge me to backup the system. I can't afford it living on a fixed income. Does anyone have any suggestions. I have an external hard drive.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
In this case I would do nothing.
Jul 20, 2012 3:30PM PDT

Until you can arrange for help at your location. I'm sure you must know some friend that can come over to help.
Bob

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backing up system
Jul 20, 2012 10:56PM PDT

I certainly won't. Thanks.

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That's a good plan.
Jul 20, 2012 11:07PM PDT

I thought about this post last night and wrestled with how to proceed. But given the story it seemed too risky to dive into computer classes here. Your computer buddy would be best and since it works, but with a little annoyance, that's better than if you lose all your files.

But I did think of one think you can look into today and see if you understand how it could help safeguard some of your files.

Have a look at dropbox.com. They give you a little software to install and you get 2 gigabytes of free space to put something out there. Even if your machine crashes, when you recover you install that little software, log back on and you get your 2 gigabytes of files back.

Hope this helps,
Bob

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backing up system
Jul 21, 2012 12:16AM PDT

I get so annoyed because I bet it is unnecessary to charge for what I need to have done. I did have a computer die on me it cost me quite a bit to get the files transferred to my external hard drive. I'll give it a whirl.

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Good luck.
Jul 21, 2012 12:59AM PDT

As to the charge, it is necessary since folk have to drive to work, pay bills and more. The price of the machines, software does not contain a few bucks for support so it's now a pay as you go system. Hope this helps you understand this a bit more.
Bob