Backing Up Data Using Roxio On University Laptops

To perform a backup, you will need blank media.  The CD/DVD writer in the Lenovo T61 laptops can use any type of writable CD (CD-R, CD-RW) or writable DVD (DVD­-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW.)  DVDs can be either single or dual layer (DL.)  A single CD disk can store about 700MB of data whereas a single DVD disk can store about 4.7GB (over 6 times that of a single CD).

If the amount of data you plan to back up exceeds the capacity of the CD or DVD media you choose to use, the Roxio software will span across multiple disks.  Be sure to have enough blank media to hold the contents of your data backup.

Unlike CD-R, DVD-R, and DVD+R which can be written to only once, CD-RW and DVD+RW are rewritable and can be rewritten/reused multiple times.  Rewritable media is more costly, writes information to disk slower, and needs to be formatted prior to first use (this initial format process can take a considerable amount of time).  However, rewritable media reduces the proliferation of one write backup disks.

Note:  Before you back up, be sure to close and exit all other programs and applications (i.e., Outlook, Word) to allow the Roxio backup software complete access to all of your files.

Using Roxio

Launch the program by double clicking on the Roxio icon on the desktop.

After the Roxio banner screen is displayed the main program window will appear:

A backup project called “Data Backup” has already been created which will back up your Outlook .pst (and Outlook Express) files as well as the contents in the “My Documents” folder/directory, but not any subdirectories of “My Documents.”  (More on this later.)

Along the bottom of the program window is a “Disc Size” indicator.  Use the drop-down menu to select the size that matches the media you are using.  Typically this will be either the 80 min (703 MB) or the DVD 4.7GB value.

To start the backup, be sure that “Data Backup” is the highlighted project and click on the Burn button:

The Burn Setup window will open:

Insert your first blank CD or DVD at this time if you have not already done so, confirm the information on the screen, and click OK to start the backup.

(If Windows pops up a prompt asking you what to do when inserting a blank CD or DVD, click on the cancel button.)

As the backup proceeds, a progress bar/window will indicate the status.  If you need to insert additional discs, you will be prompted at the appropriate time.

When the backup is complete, the final disc will eject and you will see a completion screen:

Congratulations!  Your backup is complete.

Handle the disks carefully and label the disk(s) as necessary.  Place the disks into a protective sleeve or case and store the disks in a safe place.

Changing the backup settings

As mentioned above, the default backup project only backs up files in the main “My Documents” directory.  If you also store files in other folders like “My Music” or “My Pictures,” or if you create your own folders to better organize your files, you may want to include these directories in your regular backup.

To modify a project, click once on the name and then on “View/Edit project.”

Roxio Backup will automatically add any new folders it sees in “My Documents” to your backup.  Adjust the selections as appropriate for your needs.  You can use the “Check” button to get an estimate of how large the backup will be.  Click on OK when finished to save your changes.

Restoring files

To restore files from a backup, insert the appropriate disc and if the Roxio Retrieve program does not automatically start, run the Launch_Retrieve program found on the disc.

If you have multiple backup sessions stored on the same disc, use the Backup History pull-down menu to select the desired session. Select the files and directories you wish to restore and click the copy button to start restoring your files.

You will be asked where you would like the files placed.  Make your selections and click the Retrieve button to start the restore process.

Other considerations:

If you have a large group of files that can be retrieved from another source, you may want to exclude those files from your regular backup.

An external disk drive can also be used as a backup location.  DO NOT back up files to the same physical disk drive as the one with the original files.