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For Faculty/Staff Only!
Before upgrading your PC to Windows 10 or receiving a new computer, you’ll need to backup/save all your data. Follow these instructions to ensure a smooth transition from one device to another.
Backing Up Your Bookmarks
Instructions for backing up bookmarks Google Chrome (Instructions) and Mozilla Firefox (Instructions)
- Note: You must back up your bookmarks before the upgrade or swap is complete, or you will lose access to this data.
- If you use a different browser, try doing a web search for “backup bookmarks [browser]”
- If you experience issues backing up your bookmarks, feel free to reach out to the Help Desk for assistance by phone at (404) 471-5487 or via email at itshelp@agnesscott.edu
Backing Up Your Files
You have a few options for backing up your files for your upcoming Windows 10 upgrade or new computer install!
- Option 1: External Storage (Recommended) -
- Best For...: You have many files and/or large files that will not upload quickly to Google Drive. If you use specialized software with unique file extensions, this is likely the best option for you.
- Tools Needed: A self-purchased thumb drive or external hard drive to store your files OR a borrowed external HD from the Help Desk.
- Backup Styles:
- Option 2: Google Drive Cloud Storage
- Best For...: You need to backup/save a small number of documents and images. Staff and faculty have unlimited storage in Google Drive.
- Tools Needed: A stable internet connection.
- Backup Styles:
Note: Please DO NOT use your network storage location (your "W: Drive") for file backups. This location is for access between members of your department or storage of frequently-used documents, and should not be used as a replacement for individual backups, as storage space is limited.
Prior to utilizing the Manual or Automatic external storage options, follow these steps:
1. See how much data you have
Windows 7 Users:
- From your desktop, go to “Computer.” Under “OSDisk (C:) you should see your data usage.
- Subtract the “GB free” from the total space on your hard drive to see approximately how much data you have stored on your computer.
Windows 10 Users:
- From your file explorer, go to “This PC.” Under “Windows (C:) you should see your data usage.
- Subtract the “GB free” from the total space on your hard drive to see approximately how much data you have stored on your computer.
2. Obtain a flash drive or an external hard drive
Purchasing external storage (encouraged)
Having an external storage device is always recommended, as it will allow you to backup or transfer your files easily in the future!
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For moving less than 200 GB of data, try using a 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB Flash Drive.
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If you'll need more than 200GB of storage, consider looking into a 1TB external drive like this Seagate or this WD.
Borrowing external storage
We loan users a 1 TB external hard drive purely for the purpose of backing up/saving all their data. Just let us know if you need one. The external drive must be returned upon the delivery or pickup of your new computer.
The external storage device will automatically install when plugged in. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting it up.
1. Move files from your computer to the external storage location:
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Navigate to where you were able to see the storage amount your data takes up. Double-click the "C:Drive"
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Double-click "Users" within the new window that appears.
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Right-click and copy the folder entitled [your username] (ex: your ASC username is bsmith, find the folder entitled bsmith).
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Paste said folder onto the external HD. Wait until the data migration is complete.
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Double-check that all your files are present.
2. Move files back onto your new or recently upgraded computer:
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Sign into the new/recently upgraded computer.
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Plug in the external HD.
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From the external HD, double-click your user folder to see the folders nestled inside.
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Select all of the folders then right-click > copy.
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In a new File Explorer window, navigate to C:Drive > Users > [your username].
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Right-click the [your username] folder.
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Hit “Paste”. When prompted to merge 6 files, select “skip”. Wait until the migration is completed.
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Double-check that all the files that were on the external hard drive are now on your PC.
Windows 7 Users (Backup and Restore)
Use "Backup and Restore" only if you're upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
Follow the instructions from Microsoft linked here.
Windows 10 Users (File History)
Use "File History" only if you're moving from one Windows 10 device to another.
Follow the instructions from Microsoft listed here.
This is a good option if: You want an automated option which doesn’t require external storage, your documents mostly consist of pictures, Word files, and PDFs, and you prefer to have the process run automatically.
To get started with this method, download Drive for desktop here.
1. Download Drive and follow prompts to configure it with your agnesscott.edu email account.
2. Check the boxes beside each folder on your computer you would like to have backed up to the cloud.
3. Verify that your files have been backed up, go to your Google Drive and select "Computers” to view files from any device on which you have installed Google Backup and Sync.
4. Restore your files:
- Configure Drive for desktop on your new device.
- In your Google Drive, drag all folders (e.g., Documents, Desktop) from your backup, named “Computer,” or “Laptop” to the new device, which will usually be named “Computer(1)” or “Laptop(1).”
- Documents should start to download back to the local folders on your computer. If you experience issues with this process, please reach out to the Help Desk for assistance.
- Note 1: This is a great time to rename the new computer in Google Drive to make it more recognizable. The old folder can be deleted once files are removed and you verify that they are available on your new computer.
- Note 2: Alternatively, you can manually download individual files or whole folders from “My Computer” in your Google Drive by right-clicking on the file and selecting “Download.”
If you download entire folders, you’ll need to unzip the file using a program like 7-Zip. Please reach out to the Help Desk for assistance if you experience issues unzipping files.
This is a good option if: You have very few documents with small file sizes (like pictures, Word docs, and PDFs,) AND you don't mind uploading files manually.
1. Manually upload folders or individual files to Google Drive:
- Go to your Google Drive and sign in with your college credentials. In the upper left hand corner of the screen, you will find a button that says "New."
- Click this button and choose whether you want to upload a file (single file) or a folder.
2. Restore files to your computer:
- Simply download the files to your new or newly upgraded computer from your Google Drive by right-clicking on a document and selecting “download.”