This month’s article is the fourth and final article in the series “Preparing For A PC Crash.” The previous three articles can be accessed from the bottom of this article. This article deals with the last critical step Recovering From A Crash.
Step 6. Recovering From A Crash
Recovering from a crash can be a relative painless experience provided you approach the problem correctly. This assumes that you’ve followed the basic rule of backing up your system fairly regularly and that the backups are valid.
Even if you have no backups, don’t panic, there is still a good chance you can limit the amount of information that is lost provided you follow the steps outlined below.
Step #1. Accept the Truth. No amount of reboots, wiggling electrical cords, incense or incantations can revive a downed pc. In fact frantic attempts to restart a downed pc can do even further damage. Most failures are the result of four common computer components. Of these the most dangerous is hard disk failure. Read my article on “Why Hard Drives Fail” (January 2012 Blog) to learn more about your hard drive. You will then understand why it is critical not to continue to try and revive a downed pc.
Step #2. Identify Backups. Make a list of where you have stored backups. You may have information on backup drives, usb keys, and the web (Facebook Picassa Etc). If you have access to another computer login and see what you have.
Step #3. Find Your Recovery Media. Remember those recovery disks? Now is the time they may be needed so locate them. Likewise if you have software installed on the pc, such as Microsoft Office, you should locate these cd’s/dvd’s.
Step #4. Seek Professional Help. This step may be self evident but far too often I am presented with computers that have been “fixed” before they reach my desk. The Irish computer industry is unregulated and is a minefield of what my dear old dad used to refer to as “chancers”. Caveat Emptor (“Buyer Beware”) is the rule to follow when selecting a technician to repair your pc.
Previous Articles In This Series
Part 1 - Preparing For A PC Crash
Part 2 - Preparing For A PC Crash
Part 3 - Preparing For A PC Crash
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Sunday, July 1, 2012
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