Make sure backed up data is virus free [09-10-09]

Shortly after completing my backup tutorial series, I received a call from David Keller, Compu-doctor (www.compu-doctor.com). David began our conversation with a bit of a riddle - "When is a backup not a backup?".

The appropriate answer is - "when it’s a copy".

David’s point was that to be a backup of value, one that can be used to restore your irreplaceable "Stuff" or for that matter your system if you perform full system backups, you must insure the backed up data is free of viruses, malware and spyware.

A backup of infected data has the potential of re infecting your computer when it’s copied back to your computer’s hard drive.

David also offered a bit of wisdom that brought me up short.

He first asked me whether or not I disconnected the external hard drive to which I back up my data. When I answered no, he suggested I spend some quiet time in a corner of my computer room.

I along with I’m sure many Good Booters probably never considered the consequences of not disconcerting the external hard drive to which we back up. But think about it. Should a virus, malware or spyware attack our system, it’s not going to leave our external hard drive unscathed just because it’s attached to our computer via a USB connection.

In an attempt to regain my credibility I asked somewhat sarcastically how often he’s found external hard drive data corrupted by transmitted viruses, malware and spyware. David shot me down again with "often enough to consider it a significant danger".

There was one bright spot in our conversation. My awareness of the importance of always using the "Safely Remove Hardware" shortcut located in Toolbar Notification Area before disconnecting an external hard drive.

Keep in mind an external hard drive is nothing more than a hard drive housed in a protective case. But unlike the hard drive on your computer that Windows will shut down before you’re allowed to log off to insure no data is being copied to it, there’s no such safety feature should you simply pull the USB connection from your computer.

If you do not use the "Safely Remove Hardware" feature and abruptly disconnect your external hard drive, the data being copied will more than likely be corrupted. In fact, all the data on the external hard drive may be corrupted.

Disconnecting your eternal hard drive properly between backups should become one of your housekeeping activities!

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.