How to Back Up Digital Photos
There was one advantage to storing photos in a shoebox: you didn't have to worry about a computer crash wiping them out!
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You Will Need
- A collection of digital photos
- And blank CDs or DVDs
Steps
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Step 1
Open photo folder
If you have Windows XP, open the folder where photos are stored. If the Picture Task area is not showing on the left side, click Tools, then Folder Options.
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Set up a monthly reminder for yourself so you get in the habit of backing up new photos.
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Step 2
Choose "Show common tasks in folders"
On the General tab, choose "Show common tasks in folders," then click "Apply" followed by "OK."
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Step 3
Highlight the photos
Highlight the pictures you would like to back up, then click on "Copy all items to CD," which is in the Picture Tasks area on the left.
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Step 4
Click on the balloon
When the balloon stating "You have files waiting to be written to the CD" appears, click on it to open the window and view your files.
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Step 5
Choose "Write these files to CD"
Choose "Write these files to CD."
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Step 6
Insert a CD
When prompted, insert a CD, then click "Next." Enter a name, then click "Next" again. Eject the disc when a message appears indicating that burning is complete.
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Step 7
Double click on hard drive
For Mac iPhoto, double click on your hard drive. When the window opens, click on "Pictures" in the left hand column, then choose the "iPhoto Library" folder.
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Only 13% of digital photos actually get printed.
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Step 8
Drag the iPhoto Library folder to the disc
Drag the iPhoto Library folder onto the blank disc icon on your desktop.
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As an alternative, highlight the iPhoto Library folder, then click on the black and yellow circular symbol on the right hand corner of the window.
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Step 9
Insert blank disc
Insert either a blank CD or DVD. When asked to initialize it, give the inserted disc a name.
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Step 10
Eject the disc
When a message appears that burning is complete, eject the disc.
