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How do I Back Up My Data?
We recommend that you purchase a USB Jump/Thumb/ Flash Drive (aka Memory Stick). It plugs into the USB port of your computer. Your computer recognizes it when you plug in the device and assigns a drive letter to it (i.e. J:, K:, etc.).
If you have an older computer, you may use diskettes. You should alternate your backups using 2 different diskettes in the event that one of them fails. Purchase new diskettes every 3 to 6 months.
To backup your data:
- Insert your removable backup device into your computer and make a note of the drive location (J:, K:, etc.). If you are not sure of the drive location, click on START and My Computer. Look at "devices with removeable storage" for your backup device.
- Open your Premier software.
- Go to the Maintenance Tab.
- Click Backup.
- Change the Backup Location (left side) from C: to the drive letter assigned to the USB drive (or A: if using diskettes).
- Click on Backup again. You will receive a message when the Backup is finished.
To verify that the backup worked:
- Click on START, then My Computer.
- Select the drive letter assigned to your USB drive and look for a file name DATA.ZIP. The "Date Modified" should reflect the current date. (If you do not see Date Modified, click on View then click Details.)
Note: If you are using a USB device, you must click on "Safely Remove Hardware" to protect your data and the USB device before removing it from your computer. Check the icons in the lower right of your computer screen by your clock. You may have to click on "show hidden icons" to see them all. Click on the icon that says Safely Remove Hardware then click on the USB device. Your computer will tell you when it is safe to remove it.
