What you need
- Your project folder
- Access to file compression tool (e.g., ZIP utility)
- External drive or cloud storage
- Computer or device
Every step
- 1
Compress the project folder
Right-click the folder (e.g., 'Website_Draft') and choose 'Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder' (Windows) or 'Compress...' (Mac). A new file such as 'Website_Draft.zip' will appear. This reduces storage space and makes transfer easier.
CHECKPOINT · Project files appear in a single compressed archive - 2
Copy backup to external or cloud storage
Copy 'Website_Draft.zip' to a USB drive, external disk, or upload to a cloud service. This keeps your backup separate from your primary device. Name it with the current date for clarity, like 'Website_Draft_20240608.zip.'
CHECKPOINT · Backup file is stored safely outside your main device - 3
Restore the backup in a new location
Move the backup ZIP to a test folder—avoid original project location. Extract (unzip) the contents in this separate test area. For example, restore to 'TestRestore' on your desktop.
CHECKPOINT · Backup ZIP extracted in a new folder - 4
Check file accessibility and integrity
Open several restored files—documents, images, code. For example, open 'index.html' and scroll through 'README.txt'. Ensure each file opens without error. Compare file sizes and check that no files are missing from the restored copy.
CHECKPOINT · All intended files open and match originals - 5
Repeat backup at regular intervals
Schedule a recurring task to repeat this process weekly or after major edits. For example, save backups named with dates: 'ProjectName_20240615.zip', 'ProjectName_20240622.zip', allowing you to restore from any recent version.
CHECKPOINT · A pattern for regular, dated backups is established
Common mistakes
- Overwriting the original folder during test restore can overwrite your main work.
- A backup is only useful if it’s up to date and passing your restore test.
Finished when
Backup successfully restores all project files in a separate location without errors, and future backups are scheduled.
Questions about this task
Should I keep older backups or just the latest?
Keep several recent backups with unique dates. If you encounter a problem in your latest project version, an older backup lets you restore unaffected files.
How do I know if my backup is corrupted?
You’ll see errors when trying to extract or open restored files. Always test a backup in a new location to confirm files open and match originals.
Make these steps fit your situation.
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