My new strategy for keeping my computer alive

[OM2]

I've got a new foolproof way of keeping my computer alive - so that it NEVER EVER comes to a grinding halt!

1.
Start with a clean install - no viruses, no program, no nothing else
Keep a backup of this

2.
Install necessary programs
Keep a backup of this

3.
Keep ALL data in a separate drive - AND be VERY VERY religious about doing this!
Never store data on my c drive

4.
Every month - just reinstall everything from step 2
Allow windows to make updates BEFORE doing anything + make an incremental backup immediately

5.
If I need to install a new program - I got back to step 2, install new program and then make an incremental backup

6.
If absolutely necessary... go back to step 1

I have acronis image home

Is my plan bullet proof?

I'm the most careful user in the world!! I am sooo careul about not installing anything malicious or anything else
STILL... I have found my (originally super fast) laptop come to a grinding halt and a painful experience to use
Antivirus free as

Or is there a better way to do things!?
What does the rest of the world do? I mean: what do the rest of expert IT users do who know what they're doing do?

Thanks!


OM

 

[Noyb]

Or is there a better way to do things!?

Build your next HDD ... Before you need It ...
With a fresh install .. Get it updated and configured the way you like it ..
and make an Acronis Backup Image.

Disc 1 and Disc 6 are fresh installs in Waiting .. all I have to do is Boot to a new computer ..
or Swap a HDD with one of my Externals.

I Never make an Incremental backup .. all restores are a brand new system

 

[OM2]

my machine is a laptop - i assume u r referring to a pc?

what u suggest means a lot of overkill and doing work that may not be needed (or maybe that should be WILL be needed!)
i think it's the same amount of overkill as what i have suggested for my solution

a lot of time wasted to stop D day ever coming

honestly: i'm thinking of moving to the other side of the grass - mac world
i've had a mac before and just didn't like it

i hate those mac people - they (allegedly) have no idea of what pain feels like - losing a pc or laptop because its died
yes: i do know of people whos hard drive have crashed and they've had to reinstall everything - but that's only a few
the rest of them live years with their machines

 

[Noyb]

Instead of Increments ..
I cannot boot to the HDD in my External ... But I can write to the desktop.
There are some data files on my desktop .. That I can keep updated ..
And place updated Address Books .. Favs .. etc.
Any new program .. I can also copy the installer file to the desk top.

The next time I swap Drives .. It will need some updating .. But all the files to do it with are on the desktop.
I update .. And quickly make a new Full Backup Image.

Later, when I'm sure there's nothing on the old System that I need ..
I rewrite the system partition from the Acronis Image

 

[Noyb]

Yes .. a Desktop .. But I could install a Laptop HDD in my External enclosure.
I don't really think this is more work .. Just more hardware.

Several years ago, I bought a snow Blower .. And it didn't snow for 3 years.
How's that for insurance

There's only two Types of Computers made nowadays
Those that have crashed or got corrupted .. and those that will ..
which do you have ???

 

[valis]

just an observation; no plan is bulletproof.

I've got a mirrored external drive that has all my data on my internal drive. I also have a second mirrored external drive that I synch monthly with both. The second external resides at work, the first external at home. If the home blows up, I still have my data stored on my external at work. Vice versa works as well.

However, if both blow up, I'm hosed.

But that's about as much back-up security as I wish to entail, so that works for me.

However, NOTHING is bulletproof. Remember the Law of Dropped Buttered Toast.

 

[OM2]

thanks for the replies guys
the law of dropped buttered toast is that it WILL land on the buttered side?

did u know of a 'student' 5 second rule as well?
it goes something like this: u can still eat something u dropped on the floor as long as u pick it up in 5 seconds - as it won't get dirty in that time
(a student rule - because most are poor and impoverished)
lol