[Ham-Computers] info on backing up files

[refmon]

Hi Group,

I'm interested in this thread because it sounds similar to my issue with a
Compaq Laptop.  I lost my DVD ROM due, apparantly, to a corrupt file
associated with it.  The DVD checks as "operating properly" in MY COMPUTER,
but won't read CD or DVD ROMS.  The usual uninstall/reinstall, etc stuff
doesn't help.  First, Compaq doesn't respond, so 've gone to the service
people where I bought the Laptop.

I have no idea what is actually wrong at this point.

I'm told I'll have to back up my entire drive and "restore" (a Compaq term,
the system.  Not only does this sound rediculous for reasons of plain
idiocy, but for reasons discussed in the thread on "backing up files".

Anybody have a better or different idea?  This is a Compaq Presario, 1830.

I've already learned to never buy one of these PC's with the "vendor
improved" OS and customized this and that.

thanks

John Collins
____________________________