Overview

The Kellogg Laptop Program ThinkPad T60p includes a DVD±RW drive for easy data backup. Kellogg Information Systems encourages all students to backup periodically to prevent accidental data loss. Hard drive failure is one of the most common hardware failure types in the Kellogg Laptop Program. Regular backups are the best way to ensure that you are not at risk of losing your data, we recommend you backup at least once a quarter.

In order to back up your data to DVD, you will need a blank DVD±R, DVD±RW, or DVD±R DL (Dual Layer) disc. These discs can be purchased in many retail stores.

Location of personal data on KLP T60p Laptop

The pre-installed software on the T60p KLP image saves personal data to the C:\Users\Kellogg\ directory, which is known as the User Profile Directory. All documents should be stored there unless you have specified otherwise. The user profile directory includes, but is not limited to, the following subfolders:

• Desktop
• Favorites
• My Documents
• My Music
• My Videos
• My Pictures

Microsoft Outlook saves all .pst files to the C:\Users\Kellogg\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook directory. You will need to turn on hidden folders in order to see the AppData directory.

Mozilla Firefox users will find their Firefox bookmarks in the C:\Users\Kellogg\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\XXXXX.default directory. The bookmark file is simply "bookmarks.html." You will need to turn on hidden folders in order to see the AppData folder. To turn on hidden folders:

• Navigate to the Control Panel -> Folder Options -> Select the "View" tab -> Select the radio button next to "Show hidden files and folders."

Please be sure to hide hidden folders when you are done backing up your data.

Note: If you installed software on your own, make sure those programs have saved important files to the User Profile Directory. Otherwise, you will need browse your hard drive and backup any important files yourself.

How to backup your data to DVD in Windows Vista (KLP T60p)

First, insert a blank DVD disc into your computer.

1. Click Burn files to disc using Windows when the AutoPlay prompt appears.
2. Now Title your disc, labeling it with the backup date is advised. DO NOT CLICK NEXT.
3. Click the show formatting options arrow. Since you will be creating a backup, it is a good idea to select Mastered to ensure your disk is readable on all computers and click Next.
4. Now just drag and drop the documents, images, music, and other files you wish to backup to the disc window. Note: By default, your Outlook archive.pst file is stored in C:\Users\[yourusername]\Appdata\Local\Microsoft\Outlook. You do not need to backup files ending in .ost. Click Burn to disc from the toolbar when you wish to finalize the disk.
5. After clicking "Burn to disc" you will be asked to prepare the disc. This screen gives you the option to finalize the disc title. Click Next.
6. Your computer will now burn the data to the DVD, this process can take several minutes. Once the disc has successfully been written you will see the screen to the right. Click Finish to end the burn session.

What's the difference between DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD±R DL?

Both DVD±R and DVD±RW have the same maximum storage capacity (4.7 GB), while DVD±R DL can store almost double (8.5 GB). DVD±RW discs can be re-used, but cost more and may not work in older DVD-ROM drives. DVD±R DL also cost more and may not be compatible with older drives.

While there are differences between the DVD+R and DVD-R formats, they are not notable for data backup purposes. If you will be burning video to DVD, it may be valuable to check what formats your DVD player is capable of playing.