PC Hardware Annoyances

BACKUP AND RESTORE ANNOYANCES

BACKUP TOOLS SHOULD SPAN DISCS

The Annoyance:

Why does it take only one blank CD to back up my system?

The Fix:

This little gotcha bites you at the worst possible time (when you need it most). Not all backup utilities can back up your data across multiple discs (called spanning). Because most system backups today easily total 10–20GB or more, make sure you purchase a backup tool that will support spanning (such as Symantec Ghost and DriveImage 7.0). Ideally, the backup tool should also be able to create bootable media that you can use to recover your system (and launch the recovery process) in the event of a hard drive disaster.

Tip

Make sure you store your backup media in a secure location along with your other important installation media and system documentation. Remember to mark the backup discs clearly.

RECOVERING FROM NEW DRIVERS

The Annoyance:

I upgraded a device driver and now my favorite game crashes. Can I remove the new driver and start again?

The Fix:

You could simply reinstall the older driver version for your particular device. However, finding the older driver on the original installation CD (or on the manufacturer’s web site) can be a real pain. Fortunately, the System Restore feature under Windows XP can return a system to a recent working state. Select Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → System Restore and choose the “Restore my computer to an earlier time” option. Click the Next button, and then follow the wizard to select a ...