WARNING: Under a very specific set of circumstances, there is a risk that your computer will return to its pre-lockdown state when you return to work and first connect it to the office network using a network cable. If this happens, the files saved on your hard drive will be lost forever.
What data is at risk
This is the data that is at risk if your profile is overwritten when you first connect your PC or laptop to the network when you return to work. Losing some of this data would be mission critical, while some may just be a minor inconvenience so how much you back up depends on to how much you’re prepared to risk losing.
Required: Personal documents and data
In the worst-case scenario these folders would be overwritten and the data would be lost forever.
At a minimum you should back up your Documents folder to avoid losing important work files.
You may also want to copy photos and other data that you would not want to lose. These contents of these folders are at risk of being deleted forever in the event of data loss:
- Documents – BACK THIS UP AS THE BARE MINIMUM
- Pictures
- Downloads
- Favourites
- Links
- Music
Optional: Passwords saved in your browser
These would be lost in the worst-case scenario. If you save your passwords in your browser, you may want to export them (these are generic instructions):
Edge
- Go to your browser's Settings.
- Look for Profiles and click Passwords.
- Click on the three dots icon on the right side above the Saved Passwords list and click Export passwords.
- To export the data, enter your computer password.
- Save the .CSV file and keep a copy somewhere else, for example OneDrive or a USB stick.
Chrome
- Click the Chrome menu in the toolbar and choose Settings.
- Click Passwords.
- Click above the list of saved passwords and select Export passwords.
- Click Export passwords and enter the password you use to log in to your computer if asked.
- Save the file to your desktop and keep a copy somewhere else, for example OneDrive or a USB stick.
Optional: Bookmarks/favourites saved in your browser
These would be lost in the worst-case scenario. If you have a lot of bookmarks saved in your browser you may want to export them:
Edge
- Go to the Settings menu (cog symbol).
- Select Customize > Transfer favorites and other info
- Click the Import or export button.
- Select Favorites and click Export to file.
- Enter a name and a storage location for the bookmark file and click Save to export the file. Keep a copy somewhere else, for example OneDrive or a USB stick.
Chrome
- Click More (three dots icon) in the top right.
- Select Bookmarks > Bookmark Manager.
- At the top, click More > Export Bookmarks.
- Save the .HTML file and keep a copy somewhere else, for example OneDrive or a USB stick.
Where to get help
If you need help backing up your personal files as specified in the 'required' section above, please raise a ticket with the UIS Service Desk (servicedesk@uis.cam.ac.uk).