Years ago, my husband and son got the bright idea that they needed to back up our computer before they upgraded us to Windows 95. Of course, they didn't know what they were doing... and they backed me up to a Zip drive... and then they failed to check the data for accuracy after they were finished. This meant that once my computer had the new operating system on it, all of my data (years of composing - orchestrations - songs - you name it) was gone.
So now that I've horrified you with a lost data story, let's talk about how you can back up your digital scrapbooking layouts, supplies and photos to DVDs.
Here are the critical things to remember:
1. Back up your files to DVD+R as this media type is the most stable and reliable. Do not use rewritable media (such as CD-RW or DVD-RW).
2. Do not use labels (stickers) on your DVDs.
3. If you write on the label, make sure that the marker is non-solvent (the non-stinky kind).
4. The DVDs should be stored vertically. You want to protect the surface.
5. It's a good idea to create a contact sheet so that you can remember what you have placed on the DVD. It is much easier than going through your stash of DVDs when you are trying to locate a single photo or digital scrapbooking paper.
Making a Contact Sheet
Many software programs have options for making contact sheets, but if you use a PC, there is a lazy-daisy way and I'm always up for those. Fast is good. Here's all you do. (Note: I'm demonstrating this on an XP computer, but it works in a similar fashion for Vista.)
1. Browse to the folder that holds the files you want to make your contact sheet for.
2. Right click on one of the files and then choose the Photo Printer Wizard option
Making_Contact_Sheet1
Originally uploaded by ScrapGirlsRo
3. Select all of the photos or digital scrapbooking supply images you want to be on the contact sheet
Making_Contact_Sheet2
3. Go through the printer dialog
Making_Contact_Sheet3
Originally uploaded by ScrapGirlsRo
6. When you go on, the contact sheets will be sent to your printer.
Making_Contact_Sheet4
Originally uploaded by ScrapGirlsRo
Next time... Some ways to track what you have and have not backed up.
