When it All Comes Crashing Down
July 11, 2008 · Written by Melissa Donovan
You know what sucks? When you wake up in a glittering mood and after enjoying a cup of rich, aromatic coffee, you turn on your computer to find that the hard drive has been conspiring with your muse. And now they are both on vacation.
That’s exactly what happened to me Thursday morning. Curse the muse and her little hard drive too!
And while the muse will surely return (hopefully with all my files braided in her hair), I have a feeling the hard drive’s vacation is going to be a permanent one.
If you think that sucks the big one, keep reading, because there’s even more suckiness to this story.
Years ago I started developing smart computer user habits. I save documents every five minutes while I’m working on them. I use virus protection software and I’m rigorous about renewing it on time. I even backup all my files. Annually.
Oops.
You see this happened to me before. It was the hard drive crash of ‘98. Since then, I’ve backed up everything about once a year.
But that was when I had a normal job and didn’t spend all day every day creating hoards of files on my personal computer. If I lost a year’s worth of stuff, it was not the end of the world because back then, it took me a year to generate the amount of files I generate now in oh, about a WEEK.
About a month ago it suddenly dawned on me that now I’m a freelance writer and with all the files I’m generating, I really should backup monthly. You know, just in case. I wasn’t too worried about it because I do know (from experience) that they can usually retrieve files from a cracked out hard drive, but still, that can be pretty expensive.
So, being the smart chick that I am, I splurged for an external hard drive, which cost $100 (not too bad) and proceeded with the gargantuan task of organizing all my files. All sixty plus gigabytes of files — because I’m just anal like that. I figured that I’d peck away at it for a couple of weeks and then plug in the shiny new (and awfully pretty kiwi-colored) hard drive and load that baby up.
Obviously, I did not get organized in time.
Unlucky me.
But let’s look on the bright side:
- I have an old laptop that I can use for the time being.
- I have a LOT of stuff online and in emails that I can retrieve.
- There is that backup from last year — wouldn’t want to lose thousands of dollars of music and all my photos.
- My writing folder is on a four gigabyte thumb drive (my creative writing, NOT my client writing).
- If my hard drive is dust, I might be forced to buy a Mac. If that’s not silver lining, I don’t know what is.
And the guy at the computer repair shop was confident that he’d be able to restore my files, which is why he’s now in possession of my lovely new and unused external hard drive.
I admit, I’m horribly ashamed about what’s happened. I am so embarrassed that you could say I’m mortified and that would be an understatement. But I will put myself on the chopping block of backup gurus everywhere so that for this week’s writing exercise, I can offer you this:
Back. Up. All. Your. Files. Now.
Mac, hard drive, file retrieval, computer crashes, and backup stories and tips are welcome in the comments section.
Have a fabulous weekend!
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Don’t feel too ashamed, Melissa.
Folks that know better - like all the geeky guys and gals I worked with in the Information Technology departments when I was a Network Admin - don’t back up their data either.
Heck, I remember working for one company in particular. There was a man who worked in the operations department. His main job was to back up the servers, which he did very well.
When his PC crashed, do you know how recent his last backup was?
Not one year.
Not two years.
FOUR years. He hadn’t backed up his workstation since the day it landed on his desk.
Now THAT is something to be ashamed about.
Oh my goodness… that’s horrible.
I’ve had my computer crash a couple of times, so now I try to back up my important files on a regular basis.
I actually back them up to Amazon’s S3 thing which yeah, it costs a little money, but it’s pretty convenient for me.
Best of luck getting everything back together!
Allisons last blog post..Beach Grill Maki
Feel your pain, Melissa. It happened to me at the start of this year, and while my new backup drive was in the mail. I swear.
I lost five years of hard work—song demos and master recordings, business records, creative and client writing, and a heckload more. Not to mention my most prized possession, the best damn music collection ever that took a gargantuan 60gb of my space.
The irony is that I had to use my backup drive to replace my primary drive, and I haven’t had the spare cash to afford a backup drive since. And I know, I know, a backup drive isn’t a “spare cash” type of purchase, but feeding the family comes first
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Now you got me thinking, I should get an external hard drive. I have enough photos and writing that I would be incredibly pissed off if I lost everything.
Maybe I can get my resident computer geek/expert (Brett) to help me.
Friars last blog post..The Magic Time
Get yourself a NAS. Put it on your network. Access files via wireless if you’re so compelled. You could also get a Mac and use Time Machine.
Knowing what I do about Dell, I could never bring myself to make one of their products my main machine.
Melissa,
That sucks. I know your pain (indirectly, anyway - I’ve rebuilt my wife’s laptop twice, due to hard disk failures - well, the failures were induced by a long vertical drop!)
As Bob says, even people who should know better live on the edge sometimes.
(Friar - yes, we are overdue to move your files from your old PC to your new laptop. While we’re at it, we can get you an external drive for backups.)
Brett Legrees last blog post..a cog.
Oh … no! My mother’s computer had that lovely, blue screen of death a couple weeks ago, prompting me to get a new computer (which I could ill afford) so that she could get my old one. (Hey, that’s the way it works in our family–I figure if I’m going to buy a new computer, why shouldn’t *I* get the new one?) On the plus side, it took care of the keyboard problems I was having, but on the downside, well … she doesn’t back things up, either. (Gulp.)
Good luck!!
–Debs last blog post..Linguist vs. Grammarian–Making Language GO
Yeah, I have been contemplating the external HD. My first task though is to get 4 Gigs of scrap photos off the computer, especially since the new camera creates bigger files. Sorry I can’t use medium format in case anyone was going to suggest it. I did delete a bunch of draft archives for which there were finished posts, columns, and papers. What did I think I was going to do with all those drafts?
I have some finished products saved in print and on Zip-disks but I probably need a thumb. Thanks for the reminder that I need to work a little faster at this. I just wrote last week to an old friend who is a PR-type to ask about what I should save for my portfolio and where/what format to save it.
Good luck; and maybe you can barter an exchange for some ad copy? Okay, maybe a bad idea.
Oh Melissa, I am so sorry. You poor thing. We all have things like this happen to us, even when we know better. Don’t be too hard on yourself. How like you to be so generous with your crisis to give us all a much needed kick in the derriere!
One good thing about the Mac, if you get it, is that backups are easy and if you can spend an extra $300 (a lot, I know) you can buy a Time Capsule which is basically an external hard drive with wireless than allows you back up wirelessly at regular times, every hour if you want, while you are working. It’s expensive for an external hard drive but very good for those of us who have a hard time making regular backups (and I am definitely in that category).
Let us know what happens with Computer Repair Guy and your files. And be extra nice to yourself this weekend :).
Ok, I think the computers are conspiring against all of us because I lost my external hard drive two weeks ago. In fact, I wrote a post about it just the other day (practically identical to this one, except I’ve gone into more detail about some of the options) and it’s scheduled to go up early next week. Such are the risks we take when we schedule posts ahead of time.
I’m still in the process of salvaging files and waiting on Geek Squad’s diagnosis.
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Melissa,
I feel so bad for you I want to cry right now. If you lived closer, I’d give you big hugs and bake you fresh banana bread - or whatever baked good you wanted!
This mortifies me because I’ve just had this gnawing feeling that I should back up more than I do. You can bet I will get right on it!
Again, I wish there were something I could do. But, getting a Mac is a huge reward, eh?
*smiles and hugs*
Michele
Oh, and I Stumbled this post. Hopefully it will bring a lot of folks who will take your advice and back everything up.
Micheles last blog post..Blogging Has Its Rewards
Last time. Seriously.
I just had to let you know I Plurked it too!
Micheles last blog post..Blogging Has Its Rewards
Email things to yourself. Or use something like box.net or drop.io.
Text is tiny, in the general scheme of things. Your gmail account increases faster than you can possibly fill it up with text– currently it’s at almost 7 gigs, which you could literally never fill if you wrote ten pages a day, every day, for life.
For larger things, there are DVD-roms, which cannot crash and basically cannot break or go bad. I put mine each in individual ziploc bags.
Oh Melissa, I feel your pain. A couple of years ago my bad run with computers started with a snap, crackle smoke - yeah, smoke from computer not good. My tech guy retrieved my hard drive and encased it in an external case. Since then I don’t keep any files on my computer internal drive. I do an offline back up and all files are housed on an external drive backed up to a second hard drive, and just for kicks some files are also backed up on DVD and/or a jump drive. If we have a tornado or fire, I can grab my primary HD and be out of the window or door with my work life intact. I hope they can save your HD. This is a good message to share with everyone!
Karen
Karen D. Swims last blog post..Embrace Your Obstacles
Walk toward the light. Get the Mac. You deserve it!
Writer’s To-Do Lists last blog post..Gettin Some Prairie Home Lovin
@Everyone, Thanks for sharing all your thoughts and comments. These past few days have not been easy. Even with my little backup laptop, I’ve been a total stress case but all your comments have done wonders to help me feel better about dealing with this electronic nightmare! I’ll post a follow up later this week to let you know how it all turned out!
@Bob, You comment REALLY makes me feel better. I mean if your IT guy doesn’t do backups, then how can I beat myself up? Thanks for sharing that story!
@Allison, I’ll look into the Amazon backup. I’ve learned of a few other online options as well. I’m definitely going to need to do some kind of systematic backup moving forward. Thanks for your condolences
@Joel, Ouch, that is harsh, losing all your music and work! If you have a website, it might be possible to upload your files to your server into a private or password protected folder. That could be time consuming but I know people do it and since you’re already paying for the space, it could be an option.
@Friar, You might be able to get by with a thumb drive for backup. I have one that’s 4 GB and I can fit most of my files (even my gazillion photos) on it — but it won’t hold my music or iTunes folder. That’s why I got the big external hard drive. Otherwise, I would have just used a couple USB thumb drives for backup.
@Justelise, I was never happy with the Dell I purchased almost four years ago. I think it had more to do with the fact that at the time I skimped on features and functionality to save money. So I got less machine than I wanted or needed. I work my computers pretty hard. I don’t know what NAS is though…?
@Brett, At least you know how to rebuild it yourself! There’s a skill that comes in handy… I’ve thought about learning how to do that but my plate is just too full right now. Thanks for stopping by
@Deb (Punctuality), I don’t think anyone in my family backs up except me. That’s why I’m the keeper of all the family photos
My mom, like me, wants a Mac. However, my dad is a hardcore, loyal, and dedicated PC user. Eventually, they’ll each end up with their own computers.
@Deb (gscottage), When I was discussing the problem with the computer repair guy, I did consider offering some type of barter but my gut said not to. I don’t think he would have gone for it. Like you, I use large formatting for all my photos (hey, with the cheap cost of storage, why not?).
@Greer, I need to look into Time Capsule but for now, I definitely can’t afford the extra $300. I’ll have to make do with my thumb drives, external hard drive, and online disk space. I do like the Time Capsule though
Mac rocks!
@Harrison, Hey you! I was actually working on a post much like the one James just put up, about the paid reviews. I’m scrapping it since he pretty much said exactly what I was going to say. Lots of coincidences this week
Yes, it seems like crashes are rampant right now. Probably Microsoft and one of their conspiracies to force folks to buy their newer products.
@Michele, Aw thanks! I’ll be okay. My files have all been rescue and although my credit card is taking a huge hit, I will be alright. I actually had an even more stressful event last week when I had to bring my kitten in to get an ultra sound on his heart. The vet thought he might have a heart problem because he pants like a dog. Now, the computer crash was stressful, but nothing compared to leaving my baby at the vet all day and waiting to hear the results. Thank gods he’s perfectly healthy
so in contrast, this business with the hard drive is nothing. So yes, banana bread sounds divine! I haven’t eaten much in the past four days (I don’t eat when I’m all stressed out).
Oh, and thanks for the Stumble! I see a splurge in my traffic right there! Plurk too, I signed up but haven’t had time to explore it
You rock!
@Worg, Luckily, I do have a lot of stuff in email, but since the repair shop saved my files, I don’t have to go through and hunt it all down! You’re right though, that is a great way to save stuff even if just temporarily or between computers.
@Karen, Smoke? Are you serious? That’s gotta be scary! Yep, I’ve also been looking into a wireless external HD. I’m glad there are lots of different options and solutions for backup and gladder still that I’ve got that external. I’ll be putting it to good use moving forward!
@Writers-To-Do List, I’ll reveal my final solution in a later post but I will say this: When I went to the store to check out the different models for both Mac and PC, it was definitely the Mac that had that light.
I’ve had my current computer for years. About two or three months ago it was giving signs that perhaps it was on its way to crashing–it would turn off by itself and refuse to turn back on for a couple of hours–but now it seems to be back to its healthy, energetic self. I need to get a backup in case it has a relapse.
Marelisas last blog post..Your Anti-Career Guide – A Holistic Approach to Discovering Your Life’s Work
@Marelisa, I would definitely recommend a backup! Mine started acting funny before it crashed; mostly the fan was running high and the hard drive was spinning audibly. I think the heat spells we had recently may have contributed to my HD’s demise. Ah well, just another obstacle for me to leap
Melissa,
You’re halfway there. What you need is two external disks. Label them A and B. Back up on A, take it to a reliable, tidy, methodical friend’s place — or your mum’s — and entrust it to her tender care.
Next time, back up on B, and swap it with A at your friend’s. Take A back home ready for the next backup.
Repeat ad infinitum.
Why do this? (Apart from the chance for weekly F2F time
)
If your only backup is in the same place as your computer, you’re at risk from lightning, flood (burst pipe or a leak in the roof), fire, theft and vandalism. And the odds are you won’t be at your computer when it happens.
It’s much less likely that two separate places will suffer at the same time.
This is a cheap approximation of what big companies do. Some companies make a living from providing “off-site storage” for other companies’ backups. (Of course, big companies have Terabytes and Exabytes to store, not just Gigabytes.)
The other ideas given above - Gmail attachments, DVD-ROMs (if taken to another house), etc, are great, too… if you are tidy and methodical, that is. Count me out!
What is NAS? NAS is “network attached storage”. It’s great for storing things to be accessible from several computers at the same time, but since it’s permanently connected to your network, it’s not the complete backup solution. Great for music and videos, though. Your computer guy can explain it and draw the diagrams much better than I can in this post.
Off topic, thanks to Marelisa for the post link above. A nice example of serendipity for me. I will read and digest.
Best of luck, Melissa. I’m glad your kitten is OK!
That really sucks Melissa. I’m glad the guy can fix it, though. I will never by a refurbished computer because I’ve always have had bad experiences with those. Two of them.
You will feel like a new person once it’s all fixed and ready.
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Crossing the Border
@Greg, I totally agree! Having two backup disks and storing one away from your home or office is ideal. That’s one of the reasons online storage is so attractive. I’ve actually considered getting a safe deposit box for that very reason.
NAS is definitely not what I need, though if I move 100% to Mac, the Time Capsule, which works like that, would be quite ideal.
Thanks for your kind words about my kitten. It was a tremendous relief to hear the vet say “He’s perfectly healthy!” That whole experience sure put things with the computer into perspective
@Ellen, Looks like we were commenting at the same time! I have all my files back and they have been loaded onto my computers. For the time being, I am using my old laptop for work and my NEW ONE for personal (photos and music). I have some learning to do before I shift completely to my new computer.
I don’t do refurbished computers either. I don’t even refurbish my own. Once the guy said the hard drive was dead, I was done with that machine.
Right now I feel like a lost person, with my files scattered all over and a lot of learning ahead of me, plus I will eventually need to purchase new software and peripherals. But you’re right, once it’s all done, I should feel shiny and new! Heheh
I am so sorry to hear this Melissa.
You know how I feel: APPLE all the way! I was scared to switch, but I am so thrilled I did. Someday, I’m sure there will be something else superior, but for now, Mac is rocking it.
Even with my Apple, after a decade of nightmare PC virus worm experiences, I still back up everything once a month. I have been using those mini portable firewire hard drives for 2 years. I am backed up to the ears.
With Apple, I am more worried about spilling my coffee on it or accidentally dropping it on the concrete, than having it crash for computer related reasons; that’s mainly why I back up my files.
Good luck dear!
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@Jaden, Don’t be sorry! It sucks but since all my files were salvageable, the only hit was my wallet. Not that I’m thrilled about it but it could be worse…
So, I’m almost done getting everything going on my new setup and I’ll be posting soon about what I ended up doing as far as getting a new computer. This past week has been exhausting! I will say that.
Melissa,
Well, take care of yourself and don’t work too hard!
It’s hard coming back to work. I’m in the midst of cataloging googles of photos. And if it makes you feel any better I’m still learning the best way to do it. It seems we are always learning something.
What I have learned is never get behind with the tedious details, they have a way of catching up to you.
Pro cataloging software costs close to $300, which I can’t afford. Then onward ho to researching stock sites.
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Crossing the Border
Don’t worry about it Melissa! I’ve had my PC hard drive(s) fail on me at least 5 times in the last 7 years, which got me into the habit of disciplined, regular backups with both offline media and online services.
Makes me wonder why I didn’t get a Mac until November last year…I’m sure switching up to a Mac will be worth all the PC trouble you’ve had recently! Good luck! =)
Joeys last blog post..Lifestyle: Productivity Times May Vary
@Ellen, Thankfully, things are starting to settle down. I’m hoping to be back to my regular routine early next week! Amazing how much time it takes to get set up with a new computer. Of course, I launched into a full reorganization of my entire office space as well… It was long overdue.
I’ve never used cataloging software and had never even thought about it. I just organize my photos with folders and file names then use Windows Explorer filmstrip view to peruse them. Cataloging sounds awesome though! I hope you put up a post about that!
@Joey, Five times!? Wow, you must be exhausted. I’ve only had it happen twice in ten years. I already have my new backup system in place and just need to add reminders to whichever calendar system I decide to use. I’m also looking into automated backups, which I’d like to start using eventually. And I’m happy to hear from another satisfied Mac user
All I have to do is come here and you give me ideas! I will do my best to keep you updated and give you good info.
All I use is Window’s photos to catalogue and Digital Photo Professional to peruse and delete or save. Then I use Photoshop to squeeze into a downloadable file for my blog.
Apparently there is some good software for the Mac for cataloguing if you are series about that. I am really afraid my photo files will crash my computer because I don’t know how many I can actually fit in there! I need to really look into this problem.
I’m glad to hear your coming along and not getting burned out. Good luck with it all and take care. E
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Spontaneous Memoir Meme
Sorry about your computer, Melissa. I just had this happen to me for the second time since 2004. I got a guy at the local shop to sell me a little device so I could get all my files off my hard drive. Sadly, I don’t know what it’s called — I’m that tech-stupid — but I could ask for you. The laptop mother board went up in flames, so it did turn into an excuse for me to buy a new one. I’m not a mac person, but I did get one of the new computers with built-in broadband, and I’ve gotta say I’m loving it! Good luck with getting your files back, but I’m glad you’re able to look on the bright side. I was about ready to pull my hair out.
Amy Derbys last blog post..Pick a Winner, We Dare You
@Ellen, It’s true, I have lots of ideas. Too bad I can’t make a profession out of generating ideas for people! If you email me, I can tell you how to figure out if your photos are filling up the space on your hard drive. You can use Windows Explorer to do that and you just need to know which folder your photos are stored in. (Look, I just ended a sentence with a preposition, hahheh!).
@Amy, Oh yes, I was ready to pull my hair out too. Then, I thought about cutting it all off. When I’m frazzled I do stuff like that… organize, cut my hair off, etc. The built in broadband (WiFi) is awesome, isn’t it? I can go anywhere in my house and get an internet connection so now I’m not tied to my desk. It rocks!
Melissa — Just don’t shave your head. I’ve done that. It brings on a lot of “are you in a cult” questions.
The built-in broadband isn’t wifi. I can go anywhere and use it. No need for a home connection or a wireless hotspot. In case you want to check it out: http://www.wireless.att.com/businesscenter/solutions/wireless-laptop/integrated.jsp;dsessionid=UTRZ5FB2J0X2HB4R0F1CFFY
Verizon and sprint also have a similar service, but AT&T is the only one with service in my area. It’s very cool.
Amy Derbys last blog post..Pick a Winner, We Dare You
@Amy, I don’t think I’ll shave my head. That would not be flattering on me at all. I do wish I had the right face shape for a super short haircut. I love the pixie cuts but they look funny on me.
As for being in a cult, apparently buying a Mac took care of that for me
OH! Built in broadband. Okay, that is awesome and something I am planning on getting when I switch cellular providers and I’ll definitely be going with either Verizon or AT&T depending on whether I get an iPhone or a Blackberry.
Just dropping in to let you know I linked to this post on my blog just now. I’d been meaning to do it before now, but couldn’t find the time!
*smiles*
Michele
Micheles last blog post..Why You SHOULD Use Free E-mail
@Michele, Aw thanks! I just hope that a few people out there get on a good plan for backing up when they read this. Since my data was rescued by the repair shop, I didn’t incur any serious damage, but if I’d been backing up weekly, or maybe even monthly, I could have saved the $200 it cost me to have my files extracted from my damaged hard drive. Grr.
At $200 you got off easy. All totaled, my recovery cost around $600. I have a followup post coming out next week, but the agent at Geek Squad told me that for some, it costs $1,500 or more.
@Harrison, I called Geek Squad a couple of months ago to find out how much it would cost to install a new fan in my desktop and they quoted me over $100. A fan costs about $15 and it probably takes half an hour to install. In other words, their rates are high. I mean for $1500 you can buy a brand new computer! Anyway, I’m looking forward to your follow up. These technical challenges are a big pain!
I know they’re expensive for some things, and when it comes to doing things myself (like replacing parts) I’ll usually do it.
I’m sure if I shopped around at some of the smaller computer stores, I could have gotten a break on the price, however, I didn’t have time for that or any reliable references for one. The Squad had already proven themselves to me, so that’s where I went.
My situation also differed from yours in that it wasn’t my main computer that failed, just the external hard drive. If they had quoted me over $500 I probably would have said forget about it.
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@Harry, I was just really disappointed when I called Geek Squad because I had hoped that finally there was an affordable and accessible service for people to get computer repairs.
When I bought the MPB, they offered all kinds of GS services to “optimize” my new computer. I was like “Are you saying these machines come out of the box NOT optimized?” Strange. But ever since they launched GS, I thought it was a great service, just pricey.