Z83digital memory: how to keep websites, files and data

An independent reference on keeping websites, files and data. It is not a hosting service, does not store other people's websites and is not connected with the former websites on this domain.

Problems

Troubleshooting

When you lose access to an important file, the first urge is to click something straight away. More often than not, that only makes things worse. Below are common situations and a sequence of steps that won't make matters worse.

If a drive is behaving oddly, don't write anything new to it: make a copy first.

— Editor's view

How this section works: we describe safe checks that need no specialist knowledge. If a drive holds the only copy of irreplaceable data and it clicks, overheats or isn't detected, it is better to go straight to data recovery specialists.

Common situations

A file won't open

Check the extension and size: a file of zero size is most likely empty. Try opening it with another program or on another device. If the file is damaged, look for an earlier version or a copy in your archive.

The computer can't see the drive

Try a different cable and port, and connect the drive to another computer. If the system offers to format the drive, say no: formatting will ruin your chances of getting the data back calmly.

The format is too old

Look for a program that can import the format, or ask friends with suitable equipment to open the file and re-save it in an open format. Keep the original as well.

A backup won't restore

Try restoring individual files rather than the whole backup at once, and to a different drive. Check whether an encryption password is required. For the future, make a habit of a test restore every few months.

A link leads to an empty page

Check the address for typos, open the site's home page and look for the material there. If the site has closed, try a web archive. There are more details on the page about dead links.

Photos are out of date order

The dates in file names may have changed during copying. Go by the capture date stored inside the photo itself and rename the files using a single pattern.

General order of steps

  1. Stop

    Don't delete, format or write new files to the place where the missing data is.

  2. Write down what happened

    What exactly isn't working, since when and after what actions. This will save time for both you and a technician.

  3. Check on another device

    Many problems have nothing to do with the file or drive and are down to a particular computer, cable or program.

  4. Copy whatever can be read

    If the data is at least partly accessible, copy it somewhere safe first and only then start experimenting.

  5. Turn to your copies

    Look for the file in a backup, in version history, in your email or with people you sent it to.

  • Tools

    Built-in features found almost everywhere: print to PDF, document version history, account data export and disk checks.

  • Guides

    Practical guides: how to save an important web page, build a personal archive and move photos off old media. The article catalogue is here too.

  • Comparisons

    Cloud or external drive, PDF or original format, USB stick or hard drive for long-term storage: the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

  • Dead links (in Russian)

    An old address of an article from another website: why links stop working and how to find a saved copy of a page.

  • Windows 7 (in Russian)

    An old address of a software news item: what the end of Windows 7 support means and how to save data from an old computer.

Sources

  • General data backup recommendations
  • Internet Archive — information about the Wayback Machine

Facts about system support periods, file format standards and web archives were checked against the organisations' published information at the time of writing. Menu items in your own software and devices may be named differently from the general descriptions used here.