6 March 2002

Backup Your Most Recent Files

It is very helpful to have frequent and useful backups of your files. Many times the challenge is not necessarily the number of files, but which files! Suppose, for example, in a typical day you touch 50 different files. Can you remember all 50 file names if you want to back them up at the end of the day?

To solve this problem, Windows has a built-in 'Find' or 'Search' tool that can be used to find files. One specific point of interest is the option to find files that have recently been updated. Click Start, then 'Find' or 'Search,' depending on if you have the 95, 98, or Me version. Within the 'Find' or 'Search' utility, enter nothing for the file name, and search only by date. You will either choose the date tab, in 95/98, or drop down the date parameter in the left pane within the search screen in Me. Choose the number of days back you want to track changed files, and begin the search. Now, select from the list those files you need to back up, and copy them to your backup location.