Free guides

Guides to protect your files on Windows

Step-by-step guides to back up the right way, starting with what is free and already built into Windows. Each guide explains why the problem happens and how to avoid it.

• Automatic backup on Windows: how to set it and forget it (the right way)

  Step by step to make your PC backup automatic: what to copy, where to, how often and how to check it is working. Starting with what is free.

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• The 3-2-1 rule: the simplest way not to lose files

  Three copies, two types of media, one off site. Understand the 3-2-1 backup rule with practical examples for families and small offices, and what it costs to set up.

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• OneDrive is not a backup: what syncing protects and what it doesn't

  OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox sync your computer with the cloud, and that includes deleting and corrupting files. See the limits of their recycle bins and versions and how to get a real backup.

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• File History stopped working: how to fix it

  File History stopped, can't find the drive or says it is turned off? See the most common causes on Windows 10 and 11, how to fix them and when to switch tools.

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• Ransomware: how to build a backup the virus can't reach

  Ransomware also encrypts a connected backup drive and the cloud folder. See how to build a backup that survives the attack: an unplugged copy, versions and encryption.

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• Getting a new computer or reinstalling? Make this backup first

  Getting a new PC, reinstalling Windows or leaving Windows 10? A checklist of what to copy (including hidden program folders), how to move it to the new computer and what to check before getting rid of the old one.

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