When installing new software, remember you MUST backup your data.
This is from my own personal FAQ on my own website, but given the number of people who find themselves in a lurch with Snow Leopard, I had to post this again as a reminder for those not privy enough to find it by internet search engines, or look through this board.
It is not a question of if data will be lost, but when. User error, data corruption, hardware failure, bugs in installers all play a part in potential disasters that only a backup can recover from. While you don't have the viruses or worms on the Mac like you do in the Windows world, it should be no excuse to not backup. These incidents can happen at anytime, and frequently without any warning.
User error is the number one cause of lost data. You drag a file to the trash without meaning to, or use a keyboard shortcut used to send a file to the trash, or take a file out of its prescribed location, and the system gets broke. Before moving preinstalled folders or adding files to preinstalled folders, know what files belong where. Ask if you are unsure. And only start moving files once you know your critical files are backed up. In addition, if you lose track of files, and their location, having a backup you know where it exists will help you find those files which you lost. Manage your backups so that information isn't lost by accident.
There are many disk utilities which claim to help keep your hard disk in good shape, and some are better than others, but if you don't have a backup, any of them could actually be worse than the backup software to your data as a simple power failure during use of one of those utilities can make the data get lost forever. Data corruption is probably the number two cause of losing data.
Hardware failure. Eventually all hard disks, tape drives, CDs, DVDs, Zip drives, Zip disks, floppies, tapes, and even drive controllers fail. Hopefully most will not happen during the time between now and when you can afford your next computer, but it could happen. Getting an external source to backup your data to will lessen the risk of any one component making your data get lost forever. Whether it is an external hard drive, CD burner, tape drive, or a zip drive, the more backups of your data you have, the better off you'll be. Some will even say an off site backup is a good idea since a disaster could happen to your home or office that ruins the media on site.
And then there are installers which without warning will remove different versions of programs, and in a few cases have been known to remove all the data on the system by accident.
Always have at least two copies of your data at all times. As the loss of one data source due to any of the above failures means you will need the second backup to recover your data.
And one copy should also be in a remote location in case something happens to the home location whether it is theft, accidental damage, or natural disaster.
In the meantime if you aren't able to make the investment in backup software or hardware at least make yourself a hard copy of all your documents by printing them out. While not as easy to recover from as digital backups, at least you won't be trying to create the data from scratch.
Apple includes Time Machine with Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6.
Apple includes a variety of methods of burning discs:
http://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=search&src=support_site.results.disambigu ation&q=Burn%20a%20CD%20or%20DVD%20using%20Mac%20OS%20X
Shirt-Pocket sells:
http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html
Apple also warns one in the documentation that comes in PDF on the installation DVD, but it does appear that some don't other to read this.
Data recovery techniques exist, but none are 100% reliable, and some can cost thousand of U.S. dollars if you have failing hardware. So don't think for one moment backing up is optional. The day will come when you wish you had one.
That you can always put on http://www.apple.com/feedback/
or http://bugreporter.apple.com/
I've asked for it there numerous times.
Similar Messages
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WARNING: You MUST backup your data before doing anything to your computer
99.99% of the time, problems you see on this board can be solved by a prudent backup plan. Lost data files, hard drive failures, testing for hardware issues, testing for software issues, misplaced data files, incompatible applications, failed software installs, hard drives which are too full, bad directories, bad permissions, corrupt files, all can be solved, if you had one thing: A backup plan which included at least two copies of your most essential files when they were in good condition. With all of the above conditions, testing for the condition's severity requires a backup be present, as numerous conditions have similar symptoms, which if they weren't present when you last made your backup, you'd be able to just recover your backup and everything would be good. No software maintenance program can replace the need to backup your data, as no software maintenance program can test for all the conditions which may need you to recover your data. Only backup software alone can let you recover yourself back to a working condition. Does it have to be an external hard drive? Not necessarily, even a printed copy of your data, a burnt CD, a flashdrive, or a remotely saved backup is better than nothing. So before you install anything, connect any new hardware, or risk yourself to any software maintenance program, backup your data. You'll be glad you did.
And feel free to ask in here what's the most convenient way to backup your data given your needs and abilities. Everyone can backup their data. So the only reason you wouldn't is if you have a prediliction for wanting the pain of losing your data.
Message was edited by: a brodyHi a brody,
Thanks for this suggestion.
While I understand the sentiment behind this tip and the need to backup, the tone reminds me of Chicken Little. It may read better as a suggestion of best practices (and why) rather than the extreme warning portrayed. The strong language also makes it sound like an opinion rather than objective suggestions.
The Title reads like, "OMG, don't touch your computer without a backup."
99.99% of the time problems on the board can't be fixed with a backup. Some are how to questions, for some a backup would help them recover from the issue but not fix it.
It may also help to break up the long paragraph. (Is there such a thing as a run on paragraph? )
Remember, for User Tips we are looking for concise, easy to understand Tips that in general can be read and understood by a wide audience.
Take care,
Nubz -
Prompting of Administrator Password When Installing New Software.
I recently installed some software onto my Mac but I was not prompted to enter my administrator username and password as is usually the case (or so I thought).
Does anybody have any ideas as to why an administrator password is not always required when installing new software? The reason I ask is that I thought that this was one of the protections offered by the Mac to prevent unknown installations of Malware etc.
Thanks.No password will ever be requested when you simply use drag and drop to install an application in the Applications folder. This is because you are a member of the admin group, and the admin group has authorized access to the Applications folder.
Nothing should install without your knowledge. If you are concerned about viruses and the like, then that's a different matter altogether from the question you asked. See this:
Do You Need Anti-Virus Protection for Your Mac?
According to Rich Mogull's article, Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?,
"The reality is that today the Mac platform is relatively safe. There are hundreds of thousands of viruses and other malicious software programs floating around for Windows, but less than 200 are known to target the Mac, and many of those are aimed at versions of the Mac OS prior to Mac OS X (and thus have no effect on a modern Mac).
It's not that Mac OS X is inherently more secure against viruses than current versions of Windows (although it was clearly more secure than Windows prior to XP SP2); the numerous vulnerabilities reported and patched in recent years are just as exploitable as their Windows equivalents. But most security experts agree that malicious software these days is driven by financial incentives, and it's far more profitable to target the most dominant platform."
Mr. Mogull is a computer security expert. I recommend reading the entire article as it is quite informative.
For additional information on viruses, trojans, and spyware visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on viruses and spyware. -
I keep getting an error message when installing new software that says "System extension cannot be used /system/library/extension/IoFireWireWDHID.kext was installed improperly" I have no idea what this means and all of my software seems to install okay
Hello Valerie Anderson,
I'm Harry from Norton Support team. Please check the information provided in a similar thread here:
https://discussions.apple.com/message/21854775#21854775
Let me know if this helps.
Thanks!
Harry -
Im trying to update my apps and it wont let me. When i clicked on an app to update it or to download a free app it says "sign in required, tap continue and sign in to view your billing information" when i did it says "you must verify your payment info before you can makes purchases" then "security code is invalid" when the security code is valid. I even switched credit card it keeps saying the same thing....... THIS IS NOT FAIR........ I WANNA UPDATE MY APPS!!!!! Btw idk why did i buy the ipad for, APPLE dont even let you download ADOBE FLASH PLAYER and must of the games required ADOBE FLASH PLAYER to play example: wizard101. Idk what i was thinking...... :(
Why not simply remove yoru payment info by selecting None at top?
APPLE dont even let you download ADOBE FLASH PLAYER
Considering Adobe dont (sic) even make Flash Player for iPads, this seems about right. How can you download something that does not exist? -
Administrator error message when installing new software
Hi~
I am working with an ibook on OS X.2.8. I gave this computer to my dad when I got a new one and set up an account for each of us, both with administrator priviledges. I just tried to install new software and it keeps telling me that I don't have permission to install software on the default location of macintsoh HD and to check with the administrator... even though I am the administrator. It didn't offer me an opportunity to enter a password or to install the software in an alternate location. I tried installing a different program to see if it was a problem specific to this application and found the same difficulty. I tried both accounts and this happened in both. Then I tried setting up a new account as an administrator and this didn't work either. Then I delelted all accounts except for my dad's account. I've checked the permissions in system prferences mutliple times. Nothing works. Any ideas? I would appreciate any help as this is very frustrating and this computer will soon be useless if we are unable to install updates or new software.
Thanks and have a beautiful day!
CHi xinaroyall, and welcome to the forums!
This is the Tiger/10.4.x forums, but we'll try to help.
I've checked the permissions in system prferences mutliple times.
You nreed to repair them in Disk Utility, then reboot, but I'd make second admin account again for safety.
Let's see where we are after that. -
Cannot open package when installing new software
Dumb question but when I try to install an application using an installing file I am getting a message along the lines of "Cannot find the application to open file XXX", where XXX is the package referenced by the install file, in this case Photoshop Elements 3 for the Mac. The disk image in which the installation file is contained is created through a DMG file and looks fine.
Help?Have you tried with with any other applications your trying to install. I know PSE3 is pretty particular about being installed from the disc.
When I've ever tried to replace it from a backup I've always needed to install it from the disc otherwise it just won't run. Perhaps it has similar issues with installing from a DMG. -
Satellite L350 - Can't install Vista and how can I backup my data?
Hi to all
I have a Satellite L350 and recently I've installed Vista Home Premium in a different language (the OEM Vista was in English) hoping I could activate it with the OEM key, but I didn't succeed.
When I wanted to re-install the OEM Vista from WinRE I realized I can't access it and then I had a "brilliant" idea that if format the C partition with the Acronis Disc Director it would boot from WinRE. It didn't.
Fortunately Ive burned the recovery discs before. The only problem is that the recovery disc formats the entire HDD and I have data on the second partition I've would like to retrieve.
I tried to install again the retail Vista to backup the data from the second partition (yes, I'm an idiot, I didn't do it before) but it stops after the first reboot. I get a black screen with a low dash blinking.
I really need that data, please help!Hi!
I can tell you why you cant install a retail version of Vista by using the product key. This is pretty easy because the key on the bottom side on the notebook belongs to the preinstalled OEM version and cant be used by a retail version.
However, I think the best way to backup your data would be that you put the HDD in an external HDD case and then you can backup your data on another PC or notebook.
Such external HDD cases are not expensive but very useful.
Bye -
hie there Actually um trying to update new iOS 7 for my iphone 4 but when i press the button to install new software suddenly it appears why " iOs 7 failed verification because you are no longer connected to the internet " even my phone is already connected to net
I tried powering down and re-starting the iPhone (as suggested at http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1275). This seems to have cleared the "...not connected to the Internet" problem, and iOS 6.1 is now in the process of downloading.
Thanks very much for your feedback. -
Since a few days when I try to copy or move files on my macbook, I often get an error message saying "This operation could not be completed because an unexpected error occured (error code -8062)". And then it just quits the copy or move.
I searched a lot on the internet, but only found solutions for cases you cannot empty the trash due to this issue.
I tried those solutions for my trash and that helped after some trying.
However, I still have the problem with copying and moving files.
I even cannot install new software now, as it has to copy itself to the programs-directory, and gives the same error-message.
Who can help me??
Cannot seem to find any info on it on the support-forums or elsewhere.
My user-account is administrator, I use a 13" Macbook Aluminium (Late 2008). Mac OS X 10.6.8 CPU 2Ghz Intel Core Duo, RAM: 4GB 1067 MHz DDR3.
Any help would be greatly appreciated...
OttoTips I received so far (thanks to A-Mac via Twitter http://www.a-mac.nl and Remco Kalf http://www.remcokalf.nl/)
- make sure you have at least 10% of your harddisk in free space (I had only 5%).
- do a PRAM-reset (http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379)
- perform a hardware test (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509)
- make a complete backup (with for example Carbone Clone Copier, see http://www.bombich.com/)
- after complete backup: use diskwarrior (boot from Diskwarrior DVD, first perform diagnostics, then perform "Rebuild" which rebuilds your file directory).
So far I only cleared up some space on my HD, and already the problem occurs less.
Still, I will go through the other tips too.
(will post progress) -
when i want to install windows7 on my snow leopard(10.6.4) with boot camp assistant,said that you must update your mac,i do this and try to install windows7 again but i have this problem again?what can i do?
Graham Giles wrote:
Have you seen this type of problem before? I think it could be a serious issue for anyone in a similar position.
No; but then, I've not had occasion to use TDM. I've been using firerwire drives for over 10 years, both FW400 and FW800, with no issues except a bit of instability using a B&W G3 machine.
TDM should be safe. Using cautious, manual copying of files from the Target machine to the Host machine should not result in unexpected loss of files or damage to the Target drive's directories. It should behave exactly the same as if it were an external (to the Host) firewire drive.
• I don't suppose there is anything I can do to 'put back' lost items from a separate Time Machine drive which has an up to date backup on it.
There is probably a way to do that - seems to me that's one of the reasons for a Time Machine volume.
On the other hand, if the Time Machine volume is rigidly linked to the now-absent OS on the original drive, there may be no way to effectively access the files in the TM archive.
I know that using a cloned drive would work well in this instance.
I have no experience with Time Machine, so perhaps someone who has will chime in with suggestions.
With the machine in TDM with the other machine, have you tried running Disk Utility to see if you can effect repairs to the drive? -
I went on Itunes to install new software and backup. It has been running all night and still saying preparing Iphone for restore. How long is this suppose to take?
Preparing your iPhone for restore its supposed to be about 1-2 minutes! Do you see any errors the time you plug in the wire from your iPhone to iTunes?
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I installed new software updates, and now when I try to open up pages it tells me "Pages cannot be opened because of a problem." does anyone know what I can do?
1)Copy this below from --{code} to --{code}
--{code}
set p2l to "" & (path to library folder from user domain)
set the_cache to p2l & "Caches:com.apple.iWork.fonts"
tell application "System Events"
set maybe to exists disk item the_cache
if maybe then delete disk item the_cache
end tell
if maybe then
display dialog "I deleted the file :" & return & the_cache
else
display dialog "The file :" & return & the_cache & return & "was unavailable !"
end if
--{code}
2) Than open Applescript Editor in your applications and paste it
3) Than select "Compile"
4) Than select "Run" -
trying to install new software for OS mavericks and i get the the product distribution file could not be verified. It may be damaged or was not signed error message
.can you assistWhat "new" software?
Barry -
Flashbuilder stalls when trying to install new software
hey all, for some reason Flashbuilder does not want to install new software. It just sits there forever calculating. Has anyone else seen this before? It used to work fine. Not sure what's changed.
25-May-200712:31 PM
len112 wrote:
I get this message when trying to install new software updater
error 2378 could not access vbscript run time for custom action
how do i solve this please
Hi len112
Have a look at this site:
http://www.nitropdf.com/kb/article.aspx?id=10106
Happy to have helped forum in a small way with a Support Ratio = 37.0
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