Using files and accessing folders that are stored on USB flash drives is usually a breeze and the flash drive technology makes it easy and convenient to use USB drives to move files, folders and programs between computers. To open the drive and find your files, take the flash drive and insert it into a USB port on the side of your laptop. Assuming the laptop is reasonably modern and is fitted with USB ports, the USB drive will slide in easily.

Opening and Saving Files and Programs from USB Drives

Once you have the program or file open on your desktop, you can move it onto the computer by dragging it and dumping it in the location where you would like to save it. If you want to access files from a program that you have saved on the USB drive and not on the computer, you can run the program from the USB drive, but it will make changes on the computer’s registry and might leave behind traces of the program.

Accessing Stored Files from USB drives

Give the laptop a minute to load the data on the drive, depending on the amount of information that you have stored, and the types of programs or documents, they could load immediately, or require a few seconds. The USB drive will show up on your desktop as an icon. To access your files, click twice on the icon to display the contents of the drive, and then you can easily select the files and folders that you want.

Consider Using a USB Device Manager Application

If you are storing a lot of information, or several types of program files on your USB flash drive, you might want to consider using a flash drive manager program. Microsoft makes a program called USB Flash Drive Manager that provides a user-friendly interface with which to restore all the data that you have saved to USB flash drives. Microsoft USB Flash Drive Manager also allows users to label and categorize their files and folders to personalize them and make information easy to find and move. The Microsoft USB program is available for use on Windows XP and newer operating systems only and can be downloaded from Microsoft here.

Finding files on your new hard drive

There are a few ways that we can come at this question, we can look for the files individually, or we can open the program that was used to create them and see if they are easier to locate that way. Beginning with looking for the individual files, the search techniques are different for different operating systems, so let’s go through the XP steps first, and then we’ll look at Vista.

Finding files and folders in XP

To search for a file of folder in Windows XP, take the following steps:

1. Open the Start Menu and then select Search
2. When the Search Companion dialog box opens, choose All Files and Folders
3. Now you can enter the information that you are looking for. You can enter the names of the files, if you know them, or enter the extension and look for the specific files you want in the search results.
4. The Look In box lets you choose where on your computer to search, in this case, since you aren’t sure where you are looking, you should choose the c: drive or the entire computer.
5. You will be offered three search criteria: When Was it Modified, What Size is it, More Advanced Options, if any of these fields are helpful, provide more information.
6. Select Search

Finding files and folders in Vista

Since the search procedure has changed on Windows Vista, many users report problems finding files and folders. On the Vista system there are different ways to look for your data, but the best place to start is with the Search box. There is a Search box on the top of every open folder. Let’s begin by looking for your jpegs.

1. Open your My Pictures folder, which you can find in the Start Menu on the upper right hand side. It will be listed with My Documents and My Music
2. Inside the pictures folder, open the Search box in the top right hand corner.
3. The Search box can find files by file name, text inside the file, common properties, and tags. In your case, you likely want to search either by the kind of file - Pictures - or by the file type or extension - jpeg. For a file extension search it is most useful to put an asterisks before the extension - *.jpeg

All your jpegs should be offered in a list of search results. You can then follow the same steps to open your spreadsheets, but make sure you close your pictures folder and search for the spreadsheet in My Documents, or by extension, if you know it.

Search for files by program

Another way to get to your files is to open the programs that were used to make them. Open the Start Menu and, from the bottom of the list, select All Programs. Find the program that you used to make the files, for example, Quattro for your spreadsheets. Click twice on the file to open it and then see if you can open the documents from there.

Seek remote technical assistance

Without knowing more about how you transferred the contents of your old hard drive on to your new system, it is difficult to give more specific advice. If these steps don’t help you find your missing files, you might want to consider getting remote assistance. A technician can ask you questions and find out how you moved your data and what operating system you use, which will help determine the exact steps to find your files. At Filetonic, we recommend the services that are available through this link www.filetonic.com/support

FTP stands for file transfer protocol, which allows you to upload files to your website from your desktop. Internet Explorer has FTP capabilities and because it is on most computers, you can use it in a pinch to upload files from virtually anywhere.

Using IE to Upload FTP

You need to get your upload server address, your user name and password from your webhost or ISP provider. Your upload server address will look something like this: ftp://ftp.yourhost.com/.

At the IE address bar type in ftp://uploadserveraddress/. It will probably look like this: ftp://ftp.yourhost.com/. A screen will then pop up that will ask you for your username and password. Type these in. Internet Explorer will look a lot like a file on your computer. You can now drag and drop files from your desktop to this window and they will be uploaded to your website. You can download files by dragging them from IE to your desktop. You can also use the right click method to copy and paste if you prefer, but most people like the ease and convenience of drag and drop. When you’re in the IE window, right click to create folders on your server just like you do on your desktop. You can also delete FTP files on your site by selecting the file and pressing the Delete key.

Troubleshooting IE

If something goes wrong, when you’re in IE, click on Tools, then Internet Options, then Advanced. Make sure that “Enable folder view for FTP sites” is on.

Use IE for Quick Jobs

While it’s easy to use and readily available, using IE this way is best left for small amounts of data because it can hang on large files. It also runs slower then most other dedicated FTP clients.

As you can see, once you know the correct address as well as your username and password, nothing could be easier than uploading and opening files on IE. For updating your website on the go, it’s probably the most convenient method.

Software for FTP FIle Transfer

You can also use FTP software such as CuteFTP from GlobalScape. These products make FTP file transfers a snap. Simply drag and drop in a user-friendly interface.

Please note that it is not legal to make copies of DVDs to share with other individuals. It is important to check local laws that relate to copyright infringement. Depending on the jurisdiction that you live in, it might or might not be legal to make a single backup copy of your DVD. Fair use laws typically allow consumers to make a single back up copy for personal use in the event that the original DVD is damaged or destroyed. Each state within the United States has its own legal take on this type of practice. Most DVDs come with warning statements that unauthorized copying is illegal

Why should I copy DVDs for backup?

Since DVDs are easily scratched, damaged, or even lost, it is a good idea to protect your investment with a legal back up copy. As noted above, it is important to check your local laws to see if this is permissible.

Commercial DVDs and CSS

Most commercial DVDs are produced with some type of software that prevents easy duplication. One example of this is CSS or content scrambling system. Decrypting programs make it possible to get around this software so that the DVD can be copied.

What is DVD43?

DVD43 is a DVD decrypter that runs on your computer to allow you to copy a DVD for back up. This application is only compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP, and Microsoft Windows Vista (32).

What is a Decrypter?

A decrypter unlocks a movie DVD or decrypts it so that it can be read and copied. Although free decrypters exist on the market, Vista 64 bit is such a new application that technology is still trying to catch up with it. Free decrypters for earlier Windows versions, however, do exist.

Software to Backup DVDs

One application that claims to be compatible with Windows Vista 64 bit is the One-click CD/DVD Copy version 1.11. You can get more information at the following link:

One Click CD/DVD Copy. You can also visit this link to check out two additional applications that are listed as being compatible with Windows Vista 64 bit: DVD Copy. The two applications are DVD neXtCOPY and DVD neXt COPY PRO.

Overview

Need to send a huge file to a colleague or customer but can’t due to file size restrictions imposed on you by your ISP? Give YouSendIt a try. With YouSendIt, you can send files up to 2 gigabytes in size without restrictions.

Features

• Tracking - By using YouSendIt, you can view tracking information and see who has accessed your files.
• Applications and Plug-ins - Several plug-ins and applications integrate with YouSendIt. This means that you can send large files directly from within popular applications.
• File Expiration Dates - Set expiration dates on your uploaded files for enhanced control over access
• HIPAA Compliant - HIPAA regulations require secure transmission of electronic protected health information. YouSendIt is compliant with these regulations.

Benefits

Now you can send large files without having to use clumsy file transfer options such as FTP. In addition, if your organization is a HIPAA covered entity who must safeguard data during transmission, using a HIPAA-compliant service such as YouSendIt ensures the security and integrity of your file transfer.

How it works

YouSendIt is a simple service that starts with you uploading the file to the YouSendIt service. YouSendIt then sends your recipient a notice that a delivery is waiting for them. The recipient then downloads the file.

You can brand it - A Company brandable “Dropbox” is also available for businesses and corporations

Recommendations

YouSendIt offers a free 14-day trial period as well as several different tiers depending on your usage requirements. In addition, a free “Lite” version is also offered though it limits file sizes to 100MB and has a few other restrictions. If you have the occasional need for sending large files, you should be fine with either the Lite or Pro versions whereas companies needing a fully-branded solution should consider either the Business Plus or Corporate Suite version.

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If you’ve ever wanted your own iomega drive but didn’t want the hassles of installing it into your computer, consider iomega’s iStorage online data storage solution instead! The iStorage application is an online storage solution - no more discs, USB drives, or tape backup drives required. Automatic backups, online storage, remote access, and enhanced security services make iStorage an excellent choice for individuals and businesses alike.

Features

• Varying Account Levels - Choose from several different account levels with the capacities and prices to best meet your online storage and backup needs.
• A Commitment to Security - iStorage uses 128-bit encryption, firewalls, redundant storage (on opposite sides of the country), strict internal controls, and security monitoring to ensure that your data is safe and secure at all times from transmission to possession.
• WhaleMail - Drag and drop files into your iStorage account via your Web browser, synchronize data, backup data, share data, and access data remotely.

Benefits

Computers are prone to errors which often result in data loss. Without a good backup in place, data may be gone for good. However, using data backup equipment such as tape drives, recordable DVD drives, and so forth is a hit and miss solution. The fact is, many users fail to do their part by inserting the cassette tape, recordable DVD disc, or other media into the backup drive. Likewise, even if the backup went well, what if the building burned down and destroyed the computer as well as its backups? These problems are solved by iStorage because backups take place automatically and the data is stored online where it is safe from harm.

How it works

iStorage offers two basic plans (Home and Professional) with varying capacities. In addition, you have a choice of interfaces to use such as the Lite interface, Drag and Drop interface, and optional iStorage clients that you can download to your computer. Once you’ve signed up and installed the software, you can begin backing up your data online, file sharing, and remotely accessing your data.

Recommendations

iStorage is an extremely secure online storage system with numerous security controls in place to ensure the integrity of your data backups. If you want an online backup and storage service that is secure and easy to use, iStorage is a top contender.

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Features

• Ease of Use - OnlineStorageSolution is easy to use with a small OnlineStorageSolution download that adds a new drive letter to your computer. Use this drive just as you would use a physical hard drive. For example, you can save documents directly to the OnlineStorageSolution drive, drag and drop files to it, share it, and more.
• Unlimited Storage - Whether you use up one gigabyte or one hundred gigabytes is up to you.
• Multiple Platform Support - OnlineStorageSolution works on any operating system.
• No Long Term Contracts - Pay month to month or purchase an entire year.
• Unlimited workgroups - Create as many users and workgroups as you need for sharing and collaborating on files.

Benefits

Having an easy to use storage solution such as OnlineStorageSolution ensures that your data will actually move from the vulnerable hard drive up to a safe, secure online storage location. Should a disaster ever wipe out your computer and its hard drive, you can rest easy knowing that your data is safely stored on OnlineStorageSolution’s heavily secured servers.

How it works

Sign up for a month or year’s worth of storage and then download the OnlineStorageSolution client. This places a virtual drive on your computer that looks just like any other lettered drive in your computer’s file explorer interface. When you save your file to the OnlineStorageSolution drive, you are actually saving it to your online account. Once uploaded, you can access that file from any computer in the world so long as it’s connected to the Internet. Should you lose data on your computer, any files that you have previously saved to OnlineStorageSolution remains safe.

Recommendations

OnlineStorageSolution is an ideal data storage service for those who unlimited storage options and file sharing abilities at a low price.

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If you’re thinking that an online data storage solution with the name of “ElephantDrive” has got to be huge, you’re right! With unlimited storage space, government strength data encryption, and file transfer technology that doesn’t slow your computer down, you can’t go wrong with the Elephant Drive.

Features

• The Elephant’s Trunk - That’s right, your files are stored in a trunk! This unique interface functions much like the familiar Windows Explorer where you can drag and drop your files.
• Unlimited Storage - The basic plan starts at around $5 a month and gives you unlimited online storage.
• Automatic Backups - Backups are a snap. First, ElephantDrive comes with several preset backup templates which cover most of the file types and folders you will want to backup. In addition, you can easily create your own backup sets and schedule either regular backup sessions or continuous backup sessions.
• File Sharing - Share files with others by setting “share” permissions within the ElephantDrive’s Trunk Explorer
• Security - Elephant Drive uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and 256-bit encryption. Data is stored in a protected facility with strong internal controls in place to keep your data safe
• Compliance - ElephantDrive is HIPAA compliant, making it an excellent choice for those in the medical industry who must safeguard the privacy and security of protect patient data.

Benefits

Backup your files continuously to a secure, online location and access them from any location. Not only does ElephantDrive make data backups easy and automatic, it also provides you with all of the storage space you will ever need. Store as many files as you want without any worries about data theft or loss.

How it works

ElephantDrive offers a free 15-day trial. Simply create an account, download the software and the automatic backup begins by backing files located in your My Documents folder (and other predetermined locations). Other options include downloading the TrunkDrive software which allows you to map a drive to the ElephantDrive. Several different account types are available including accounts for home and business users.

Recommendations

Because of the unlimited storage capacity, low monthly price, seamless file transfers, strong encryption, and ease of use, Elephant Drive is hard to beat.

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Carbonite is an online backup solution that offers unlimited storage capacity.

1. Back up your irreplaceable files automatically and securely.
2. No credit card required!

No matter how much data you need to back up, with a Carbonite account, you can safely and securely do so.

Features

• Automatic Data Backups - Carbonite works in the background, silently searching for new files and files that have recently been updated. When it finds a file that needs to be backed up, it quietly uploads it to the Carbonite servers where you can later access it remotely or in case of disaster.
• Security - Data is encrypted using the same technology that financial institutions use - twice! The encrypted files remain encrypted once stored on the Carbonite servers so that no one else can view them.
• Full automation - You don’t have to do a thing!
• Windows XP and Vista Compatibility - Carbonite is compatible with both XP and Vista, including the 64-bit version of both operating systems.

Benefits

Carbonite does everything for you including automatically backing up crucial data in default locations such as the My Documents folder. This means that any computer user can quickly and easily get started with a secure backup solution. Since the backups take place automatically in the background, you don’t have to worry about remembering to do anything. Simply let Carbonite do what it does best and relax.

How it works

Simplicity is a key theme with this online backup service. Full automation is on by default. You can add your own backup sets to the software and further customize it if you wish but it’s ready to go for most common uses from the moment it is installed.

Recommendations

If you’re looking for an unlimited online data backup solution that is fully automated and extremely secure, its definetely worth giving the Carbonite unlimited plan a try!

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Features

• Unlimited Online Storage - Store an unlimited amount of data online for a small monthly fee. You pay the same whether you are storing 5 gigabytes or 50.
• Free 1 Gigabyte Account - AllMyData offers a 1 GB account for those with more modest online storage needs. Best of all, there are no advertisements and no credit card is required.
• Business Storage Plans - Business storage plans are priced according to actual storage and bandwidth usage. 
• File Sharing - Share select files online with other people.
• Encryption - Data is encrypted for security. Only you, and the people you have granted file sharing permission, have access to your online data.
• Online Backups - AllMyData works with your existing backup software such as the backup utility that is built into the operating system. Simply schedule the folders and files for backup to the AllMyData drive and let automatic backups take place.

Benefits

AllMyData offers a basic, no frills online data storage solution with unlimited storage capacity. With the AllMyData unlimited plan, you can rest easy knowing that all of your important data is protected. No more picking and choosing files because of capacity concerns. Simply backup all of your data to the AllMyData drive.

Computer crashes, viruses, and data loss are less of a concern when you know that your data is safely stored off site where you can download and recover your files should disaster strike.

How it works

AllMyData features an online interface as well as a downloadable AllMyData client which becomes a virtual drive. Using the online interface is as simple as logging in and clicking the Upload button. The AllMyData download is a simple application that replicates a local disk drive. With this virtual drive, you can save your data files directly to a drive letter on your computer as well as drag and drop files to and from your AllMyData drive.

Recommendations

If you’re looking for an inexpensive option for storing large amounts of data online, AllMyData is an excellent choice. This product avoids many of the bells and whistles of other online storage applications thus keeping it straightforward and affordable.

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