Backup To External Device

[Khandro]

I'm using Windows 10 and have an external hard drive to which I want to back up my files. online instructions says; "This is the simplest way to back up files from your PC, just plug in a USB hard drive and use Windows File Explorer to copy files from your computer to the removable drive, it's completely manual."

What does "completely manual" mean, does it mean that by plugging it into the USB port it will automatically make the transfer of data? I can't see what I'm supposed to do, help appreciated.

[naomi24]

I have one of those. Plug it in, call up the file you want to save to it and click 'Save As', then find the external hard drive on the drop down list and click. Mine comes as 'My passport G'. I don't know if they all come up as that though.

[mikey4444]

K...I use a drive that that for archiving photos. I find it couldn't be more simple !

Just plug it into a spare USB slot. Your PC will automatically find it, and it will give it a name. In my case its called Toshiba EXT D.

You can then drag and drop any file or photo you want directly into it.

Perhaps one our better techies can explain this further !

[bhg481]

You can also drag and drop a folder and it will copy the folder along with all the files in it.
Just be warned that when you do it again tomorrow/next week, if any files you try to copy are already on your backup it will ask you if you want to copy them or not - it will give the dates of the files so you know if the files you are copying are newer than the ones on the backup.
It says it's a manual process because there are automatic backup programs available.

[Khandro]

I hadn't realised I needed to select each file or folder to move it, I've now done the most important ones, - thanks.

[mikey4444]

Easy-peasy isn't it K !

[chelle7272]

You can select a few at a time if you hold down the Ctrl key and click on them

[naomi24]

Well done, Khandro. :o)