Outlook backup is a bare necessity for those who use MS Outlook email client for everyday communication. If you are like most people, who like to start their day with a hot steaming cup of coffee looking through morning mail, you sure can imagine how frustrating it can be to lose your important messages and contacts.
There are several reasons why you can lose your email. First of all, you can lose your Outlook messages as a result of hardware failure. Secondly, there can be a disaster like flood or fire, which is hard to prevent so it is strongly recommended to back up Outlook/Outlook Express to secure against the temperament of nature.
A far more frustrating occurrence of message loss is an accidental deletion by the owner. There is no way to prevent such things, but there are several ways to make sure you do not lose your data, if you get in any of the above mentioned situations.
One ways is to copy your contacts and messages manually each day and record them to some storage media such as a CD. This is a viable solution and it is the cheapest in terms of money, but not time. It is going to be hard to keep track of all incoming and outcoming messages and not to forget to do Outlook backup regularly.
However, with the simple yet reliable Outlook backup software, you can immensely simplify the task of data protection. In fact, for a reasonable fee of 39 bucks you can get a professional backup program with the backup functionality which allows backing up your important messages on a specified schedule with the options of data compression and encryption.
When choosing your backup software, pay attention to the specific features of a program. Some backup programs offer Outlook backup functionality as a default feature, while others may require installation of special plug-ins for doing target backup of email. Also, make sure that the program can do backup of all versions, including backup of Outlook 2007.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Deleted Images And How To Recover Them
There can be a few reasons why your images have been lost or just "disappeared":
Case1. No images on your camera memory card
The first one is that you have not accidentally erased them from your memory card but your playback display states blandly "no images". The second one is that you have accidentally (or deliberately) erased some or all of the images from your memory card.
In both instances, the images have not actually been erased or deleted - they are still there but your camera will simply not display them. However, the camera software may well overwrite these files if you continue to take pictures.
In view of this is necessary to take immediate action to recover the files before this happens.
If you did not deliberately erase the images yourself, the first thing to try is to switch off your camera. Remove the memory card from the camera and then replace it, switch the camera back on and check to see if the images have returned. This is a similar procedure to re - booting a computer when it throws a wobbly. It works sometimes but not always.
If the images do not reappear, proceed as if you have accidentally erased them as follows:
Go online and use a search engine and type in "free file recovery programmes" to find a programme like "Free Undelete". Download it and connect your camera to the computer as you would for uploading images from your memory card. Alternatively, you can insert your memory card into the appropriate memory card slot in your computer if you have one.
I have tried this completely free programme and it works well. However, there are several other non - free programmes you can use if you prefer which may be more sophisticated with more features.
Start the programme, select the drive where the memory card is located and click "Scan". if a folder appears, open it. If the files have not been overwritten, the programme should find them. Note; For Windows Vista users; you may have to right click the program shortcut and select "run as administrator" or it may not work.
Be patient. The programme takes several minutes to completely scan the card and retrieve the files. It lists them with a rating of "poor" or "good". Select the files you want to restore, click "undelete" and then save them to your computers hard drive in a suitable location.
If you try to save to the memory card you may get a warning that the image may suffer loss of quality. If you definitely want to put these files on to your memory card then save them first to your desktop. Copy these files (right click - copy) and paste them to your memory card (right click - paste). I have done this without any apparent loss of quality.
One thing I noticed with this free programme is that if you click the "help" file on the main menu - nothing happens. To access this you will have to locate the "Free Undelete" folder from the Start - Programmes folder.
Case2. Images lost from computer
Exactly the same procedure is used to recover lost or deleted files on any other drives you have on your computer. Just select the drive where the images were stored before they disappeared. But this time specify the type of file you want to recover. In this case it is a jpeg, so enter ".jpg" as your search filter otherwise you will get every deleted file on your computer listed.
Note: As implied above, this programme will retrieve many other types of files as well, including lost or deleted emails and documents. However, Free Undelete is a utility programme so there is no preview available. If you want all the bells and whistles you may have to purchase a more sophisticated version like "Recover my Files". This has a preview window and many other features. It is available for a free trial but the save feature is blocked until you purchase it (about $70/£35). There are many other similar programmes available of varying degrees of sophistication - so take a look and find one that suits you.
Case1. No images on your camera memory card
The first one is that you have not accidentally erased them from your memory card but your playback display states blandly "no images". The second one is that you have accidentally (or deliberately) erased some or all of the images from your memory card.
In both instances, the images have not actually been erased or deleted - they are still there but your camera will simply not display them. However, the camera software may well overwrite these files if you continue to take pictures.
In view of this is necessary to take immediate action to recover the files before this happens.
If you did not deliberately erase the images yourself, the first thing to try is to switch off your camera. Remove the memory card from the camera and then replace it, switch the camera back on and check to see if the images have returned. This is a similar procedure to re - booting a computer when it throws a wobbly. It works sometimes but not always.
If the images do not reappear, proceed as if you have accidentally erased them as follows:
Go online and use a search engine and type in "free file recovery programmes" to find a programme like "Free Undelete". Download it and connect your camera to the computer as you would for uploading images from your memory card. Alternatively, you can insert your memory card into the appropriate memory card slot in your computer if you have one.
I have tried this completely free programme and it works well. However, there are several other non - free programmes you can use if you prefer which may be more sophisticated with more features.
Start the programme, select the drive where the memory card is located and click "Scan". if a folder appears, open it. If the files have not been overwritten, the programme should find them. Note; For Windows Vista users; you may have to right click the program shortcut and select "run as administrator" or it may not work.
Be patient. The programme takes several minutes to completely scan the card and retrieve the files. It lists them with a rating of "poor" or "good". Select the files you want to restore, click "undelete" and then save them to your computers hard drive in a suitable location.
If you try to save to the memory card you may get a warning that the image may suffer loss of quality. If you definitely want to put these files on to your memory card then save them first to your desktop. Copy these files (right click - copy) and paste them to your memory card (right click - paste). I have done this without any apparent loss of quality.
One thing I noticed with this free programme is that if you click the "help" file on the main menu - nothing happens. To access this you will have to locate the "Free Undelete" folder from the Start - Programmes folder.
Case2. Images lost from computer
Exactly the same procedure is used to recover lost or deleted files on any other drives you have on your computer. Just select the drive where the images were stored before they disappeared. But this time specify the type of file you want to recover. In this case it is a jpeg, so enter ".jpg" as your search filter otherwise you will get every deleted file on your computer listed.
Note: As implied above, this programme will retrieve many other types of files as well, including lost or deleted emails and documents. However, Free Undelete is a utility programme so there is no preview available. If you want all the bells and whistles you may have to purchase a more sophisticated version like "Recover my Files". This has a preview window and many other features. It is available for a free trial but the save feature is blocked until you purchase it (about $70/£35). There are many other similar programmes available of varying degrees of sophistication - so take a look and find one that suits you.
Data Loss Prevention 101
Own a computer? Or any electronic device which can store information and data? Mp3 players? TV recorders? Cd's and Dvd's? Cell phones?
Well, as long as you use those devices, you will always run into the chance of losing your data. We are surrounded by devices which stores data and help disseminate information.
However, with a few pointers, you can almost effectively prevent data loss from happening to you. Read on!
Avoid Extreme Environments
Never expose your hard drive or any other electronic equipment to extreme hot or cold temperature. Excessive heat can shorten the lifespan of a drive, reduce the performance of the system, and ultimately damage the electronic components.
Stable, Clean, and Safe working environment
Do not place a computer on unstable or moveable objects. During operation, computer hard drives can be damaged by any abrupt or sudden movement, especially laptops. It's important to find a stable area where there is not a lot of activity.
Dusty, dirty work conditions can clog your system ventilation and cause system overheat or even cause hard disk crash if dust infiltrates the hard disk.
Backup your data
Backup important data, files, documents and programs regularly.
You should backup important data, files, documents and programs regularly. Backups are an integral part of data loss prevention as it provides an exact copy of the data. It is the fastest way and also the easiest way of recovering from data loss if you suffer from data loss.
However, backup is useless if that redundant copy of data cannot be used. Checks should be conducted from time to time to ensure the backup is up to date and is free from virus and corruption so that it will actually come in handy when disaster strikes.
Install anti virus on your system
Take steps to protect your system from computer viruses. Computer viruses are so common nowadays that many PC's or laptop's are infected without the user's knowledge.
It is likely that in the near future a virus will spread that has the ability to actually destroy critical data in your hard drive. Keep a virus detection program on your computer, and of course, keep it updated.
System Protection
Keep your computer safe from human error (children, computer illiterates, general carelessness etc.) Use passwords on important programs or files to help prevent accidental erasure.
Vanishing or Deleted Data
If you accidentally delete or data just went missing for no apparent reasons, do not create new files, move files around, or save any old files. By doing so, you could make the recovery of lost data impossible as any of such activity might overwrite the missing data making these permanently erased from your hard disk.
In fact all activity should be stopped immediately to avoid permanent data loss.
Clicking, Grinding, or Metal Scraping Noises
If your hard drive is making clicking, scraping, or any type of strange sounds immediately switch off your system. By switching off, you avoid causing more damage to the drive or data.
When you hear all these sounds, it is a worrying sign as these sounds indicate an impending hard disk crash (if it has not occurred already. More on hard disk crash)
Remain Calm and Cool
Do not panic. Panic will get you nowhere fast. Instead calm down and think through what just happened. Write down the circumstances of the data loss, signs of loss (if any), and evaluate if you need to recover.
In this era of computer and technology, can have wide spread repercussions. It causes a ripple effect where more people are affected from any data loss. The risk of losing data is increasing daily as more people are using and relying on computers and losing data has become costlier. Here are just some ways you can lose data in computers.
Well, as long as you use those devices, you will always run into the chance of losing your data. We are surrounded by devices which stores data and help disseminate information.
However, with a few pointers, you can almost effectively prevent data loss from happening to you. Read on!
Avoid Extreme Environments
Never expose your hard drive or any other electronic equipment to extreme hot or cold temperature. Excessive heat can shorten the lifespan of a drive, reduce the performance of the system, and ultimately damage the electronic components.
Stable, Clean, and Safe working environment
Do not place a computer on unstable or moveable objects. During operation, computer hard drives can be damaged by any abrupt or sudden movement, especially laptops. It's important to find a stable area where there is not a lot of activity.
Dusty, dirty work conditions can clog your system ventilation and cause system overheat or even cause hard disk crash if dust infiltrates the hard disk.
Backup your data
Backup important data, files, documents and programs regularly.
You should backup important data, files, documents and programs regularly. Backups are an integral part of data loss prevention as it provides an exact copy of the data. It is the fastest way and also the easiest way of recovering from data loss if you suffer from data loss.
However, backup is useless if that redundant copy of data cannot be used. Checks should be conducted from time to time to ensure the backup is up to date and is free from virus and corruption so that it will actually come in handy when disaster strikes.
Install anti virus on your system
Take steps to protect your system from computer viruses. Computer viruses are so common nowadays that many PC's or laptop's are infected without the user's knowledge.
It is likely that in the near future a virus will spread that has the ability to actually destroy critical data in your hard drive. Keep a virus detection program on your computer, and of course, keep it updated.
System Protection
Keep your computer safe from human error (children, computer illiterates, general carelessness etc.) Use passwords on important programs or files to help prevent accidental erasure.
Vanishing or Deleted Data
If you accidentally delete or data just went missing for no apparent reasons, do not create new files, move files around, or save any old files. By doing so, you could make the recovery of lost data impossible as any of such activity might overwrite the missing data making these permanently erased from your hard disk.
In fact all activity should be stopped immediately to avoid permanent data loss.
Clicking, Grinding, or Metal Scraping Noises
If your hard drive is making clicking, scraping, or any type of strange sounds immediately switch off your system. By switching off, you avoid causing more damage to the drive or data.
When you hear all these sounds, it is a worrying sign as these sounds indicate an impending hard disk crash (if it has not occurred already. More on hard disk crash)
Remain Calm and Cool
Do not panic. Panic will get you nowhere fast. Instead calm down and think through what just happened. Write down the circumstances of the data loss, signs of loss (if any), and evaluate if you need to recover.
In this era of computer and technology, can have wide spread repercussions. It causes a ripple effect where more people are affected from any data loss. The risk of losing data is increasing daily as more people are using and relying on computers and losing data has become costlier. Here are just some ways you can lose data in computers.
Registry Fix - How to Fix Your Computer Registry?
Do you have a problem with your computer's registry and in need to fix the registry? This is vulnerable and important component of the computers operating system and it can get corrupted over time if you do not maintain it. The result is that the computer will become lowered in performance.
The primary database of the operating system of the computer is the computer registry and it is the most important component to maintain of the performance of your PC. The registry commands your computer what to do, when to do it and how to act. It also keeps every piece of information related to user profile. That is why doing tasks like how to fix computer registry is a essential yet very difficult attempt in maintaining the computer. The primary goal of computer registry fix is removing redundant files, repairing errors and reorganizing and updating the mechanism of your computer's operating system.
Even if you have to fix the computer's registry regularly, it is not as easy and straightforward as you may think it is to work with it. Extreme care is needed when working with the registry because it is a vital and fundamental component in making your computer run and work smoothly. If you don't have complete knowledge of what you are trying doing when downloading or installing as well as uninstalling software programs it may turn out to be unsuccessful and even worse, a disastrous activity. With this caution, it is advisable that you should be aware and very careful in performing the activity on how to fix your computer registry.
Why do registry errors occur?
Registry errors occur because of different causes. When you download software's that are not completely compatible with your computer registry errors can occur. Some are gathered through awful spywares and adware that get bigger in numbers as you browsed certain websites. Still some are viruses that are very successful in penetrating your computer registry, which aims to create chaos in your PC. It causes the computer to exhibit poor performance when these erroneous entries accumulate and that is very obvious and irritating to the computer user.
Like mentioned earlier, registry errors are normal to happen in your computer but the appearance of it is not to be regarded as a very frustrating incident. There is a lot of registry fix and cleaner software available today.
The primary database of the operating system of the computer is the computer registry and it is the most important component to maintain of the performance of your PC. The registry commands your computer what to do, when to do it and how to act. It also keeps every piece of information related to user profile. That is why doing tasks like how to fix computer registry is a essential yet very difficult attempt in maintaining the computer. The primary goal of computer registry fix is removing redundant files, repairing errors and reorganizing and updating the mechanism of your computer's operating system.
Even if you have to fix the computer's registry regularly, it is not as easy and straightforward as you may think it is to work with it. Extreme care is needed when working with the registry because it is a vital and fundamental component in making your computer run and work smoothly. If you don't have complete knowledge of what you are trying doing when downloading or installing as well as uninstalling software programs it may turn out to be unsuccessful and even worse, a disastrous activity. With this caution, it is advisable that you should be aware and very careful in performing the activity on how to fix your computer registry.
Why do registry errors occur?
Registry errors occur because of different causes. When you download software's that are not completely compatible with your computer registry errors can occur. Some are gathered through awful spywares and adware that get bigger in numbers as you browsed certain websites. Still some are viruses that are very successful in penetrating your computer registry, which aims to create chaos in your PC. It causes the computer to exhibit poor performance when these erroneous entries accumulate and that is very obvious and irritating to the computer user.
Like mentioned earlier, registry errors are normal to happen in your computer but the appearance of it is not to be regarded as a very frustrating incident. There is a lot of registry fix and cleaner software available today.
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