Got a stupid computer question

Gator515151

Well-Known Member
2018 Pick 'Em Champ
Aug 16, 2018
1,948
5,685
Looking for a not so stupid answer.

Back 20 or so years ago I had a couple of old desktops in my computer room that I trashed and updated to newer equipment. Before I trashed them I copied most of my important files to the new desktops. However to be on the safe side in case I missed something I backed them up to flash drives and put the flash drives away.

So the other day I was looking for a long lost file and thought it might be on one of those old flash drives. My question is since when I created them by backing up my hard drive if I put one into my current laptop and click restore is it going to wipe out my laptop and restore it to the hard drive in the old computer?

I've never done anything like this before.
 

TLB

Just chillin'
Lifetime Member
Jan 6, 2015
13,740
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backing up my hard drive if I put one into my current laptop and click restore is it going to wipe out my laptop and restore it to the hard drive in the old computer?

Need some clarification here. HOW was the backup made? Simple copy all the files from hard drive to USB, or via a tool that did a backup image?

From you're mentioning 'click restore' leads me to think you did a backup image. DO NOT 'click restore' or it will try to overwrite your laptop. However, there are several ways to retrieve files off it still, and to do so safely.

Next questions:
  • Assuming you used a software to make the backup image, what software did you use?
  • Assuming you paid for it, do you still have the installation disk?
  • What OS is your current laptop?
  • How much extra space to you have on your laptop hard drive (enough to copy the whole image from USB to somewhere on the laptop, at least temporarily)?


What I'm angling for, again assuming you used an imaging software, is to have the old drive image copied onto the laptop somewhere. Then, to use the software to 'mount' that image as an extra drive (this may be possible without the software, depending on your laptop OS). Then, that image can appear just like another drive while you poke around and copy off what you need. Then delete the image, and hang onto that USB version in case 'just in case' happens again. But first, help me out with those questions, please.
 

Seedy

Totally not CDGator
Oct 17, 2020
395
725
^^ yep. Which OS (or at least best guess: Windows/Mac) and which “backup” app?
 

Gator515151

Well-Known Member
2018 Pick 'Em Champ
Aug 16, 2018
1,948
5,685
Need some clarification here. HOW was the backup made? Simple copy all the files from hard drive to USB, or via a tool that did a backup image?

From you're mentioning 'click restore' leads me to think you did a backup image. DO NOT 'click restore' or it will try to overwrite your laptop. However, there are several ways to retrieve files off it still, and to do so safely.

Next questions:
  • Assuming you used a software to make the backup image, what software did you use?
  • Assuming you paid for it, do you still have the installation disk?
  • What OS is your current laptop?
  • How much extra space to you have on your laptop hard drive (enough to copy the whole image from USB to somewhere on the laptop, at least temporarily)?


What I'm angling for, again assuming you used an imaging software, is to have the old drive image copied onto the laptop somewhere. Then, to use the software to 'mount' that image as an extra drive (this may be possible without the software, depending on your laptop OS). Then, that image can appear just like another drive while you poke around and copy off what you need. Then delete the image, and hang onto that USB version in case 'just in case' happens again. But first, help me out with those questions, please.
Yes a backup image is what I did....I did one on my desktop from the early 2000s when I upgraded to a new computer. Then in 2010 when I upgraded again I did another one. It is the 2010 one I am interested in searching...LOL Y'all would kick me out of the Gator Nation if you knew what I have lost that I am looking for. I can't find my photos and video taken at the 2008 National Championship game. I'm thinking I have a copy on that flash drive.

I did a backup image using Windows, I don't remember what Windows version was the current version in 2010 probably 7. Maybe I'll just take the zip drive to a local computer shop and see if they can do anything with it. I don't want to take a chance of screwing up my current laptop.
 

Seedy

Totally not CDGator
Oct 17, 2020
395
725
Try to mount the backup image files saved to the USB drive. From the mounted drive, you can choose which files to copy.

 

CDGator

Not Seedy
Lifetime Member
Jul 24, 2020
15,806
43,756
I still don't like his odds.

If it overwrites his current computer I’m sure @Seedy will give him his money back. ;)

Is there another less important computer you could open the files on first? Do a backup of your current computer too. Hope it all goes well!
 

TLB

Just chillin'
Lifetime Member
Jan 6, 2015
13,740
25,389
I did a backup image using Windows, I don't remember what Windows version was the current version in 2010 probably 7

As long as it was a Windows OS this may be easy. The laptop, what is it running? I assume Windows 10? If so, plug in the USB to the laptop, open a windows explorer and go to the USB drive. Right click on the old image and choose 'mount'. It may work, or it may say it has an issue because the image is likely a "C Drive" (typically the root, the main hard drive for running a computer) and there can be only one. Though, when you right-click 'mount' it may ask what drive letter you want to assign to the mounted image. Once mounted, it should be accessible like any other drive.
 

Nalt

Well-Known Member
Jul 23, 2020
6,626
18,112
Do you still have an old desktop machine that you no longer use? Might try and "restore" to that if so. Then, if it is successful you should be able to copy/paste the individual jpg's to a flash drive and move them to your new laptop.
 

TLB

Just chillin'
Lifetime Member
Jan 6, 2015
13,740
25,389
7c91dc44-f0d6-4ee1-87ec-e5c849b7d062.jpg



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J/K, I'd like an update as well.


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