Draft:Backing up files on your PC
About this article
This article includes links to instructions and information about the various options for school-related and personal file storage on your WSU Windows-based, HP EliteBook provided through the E-Warrior Digital Life and Learning Program or your WSU desktop. Use this information as part of your normal backup routine or to prepare for a laptop exchange or re-imaging. It is intended for students and employees.
Before you begin
Before you start copying and pasting files, please consult the following articles as needed:
- How much data do you have to back up? You can check how much space you are using on your current laptop's hard drive to estimate how much room you will need for your backup files.
- Where are your files? Do you know where all your files are located? Make sure to check the most common storage locations.
- Do you have family photos, home movies, and other personal files stored on your laptop? Consult our policies and guidelines regarding the appropriate, personal use of WSU computing resources.
- Are you backing up private university data? Learn more about where such data can and can't be stored.
When it comes to storing school-related and personal files, you have several choices:
Microsoft OneDrive for Business
This is our "cloud storage" solution, a fancy way of saying that your data is stored on off-campus servers owned by Microsoft. Once you have stored your files in your OneDrive for Business, you can access them from any computer with an Internet connection, anywhere in the world. You can also access your OneDrive for Business using a tablet or smartphone. This is the only cloud storage option supported by WSU.
WSU local network storage (employees only)
Sometimes referred to as your "R Drive," this campus storage space can be accessed from your laptop while on campus and from off campus using VPN. Students do not have this storage option.
External storage media
Writable DVDs, SD cards, and external hard drives are not recommended for important, school-related file storage and cannot be used to store private university data. You use them at your own risk.
Copying your Home folder
A quick way to backup most of the files you have stored on your hard drive is to make a copy of your Home folder. This is the folder on your desktop labeled with your name (Figure 1). Your Home folder contains all of the default folders created for you when you received your computer, including your Documents, Music, and Pictures folders. It also includes your Desktop folder. For more information on the Home folder, consult: Where on your laptop are your files.