How to Back Up an SSD
By Alan Sembera
Solid state drives (SSDs) are a faster alternative to traditional hard drives. But, like hard drives, SSDs are still susceptible to hardware failure and data loss. The procedures for backing up an SSD are the same as those for backing up a regular hard drive. Use the Windows Backup and Restore software already included in your operating system to back up part or all of your SSD.
Step 1
Decide where you will store the backup of your SSD. Many people back up their drives to DVDs or digital tapes. However, if you have a large amount of data on your SSD, consider backing the data up on a hard drive. Get an external hard drive large enough to hold all of the data; or, if you're on a network, you can back up the SSD on a hard drive in another computer on the network.
Step 2
Click the "Start" button (the Windows logo button on the lower-left-hand corner of the screen). Select "Control Panel." Double-click the "Backup and Restore Center" program. The program opens in a new window.
Step 3
Click the "Back up files" button. A new window appears, giving two options. The first option allows you to back up the SSD on a device attached to your computer, such as a CD drive, DVD drive or hard drive. The second option allows you to back the SSD up on another computer in your local network.
Step 4
Select one of the options. Click the "Next" button. A window appears.
Step 5
Select the types of file you wish to back up, then click the "Next" button. A new window appears, asking you to set a schedule for your backups.
Step 6
Select how often you would like to back up your files. The choices are daily, weekly and monthly.
Step 7
Click the "Save settings and start backup" button. The program begins backing up your SSD.
References
Tips
- If your SSD is also your boot drive and you want to back up the entire drive including the operating system, select "Back up computer" instead of "Back up files" when you first open the "Backup and Restore" program.
Writer Bio
Alan Sembera began writing for local newspapers in Texas and Louisiana. His professional career includes stints as a computer tech, information editor and income tax preparer. Sembera now writes full time about business and technology. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Texas A&M University.