When most of your genealogy data is kept on your computer, it can represent years, or even decades of work. You don’t want to lose it to computer breakdowns and thefts. Some of that information may not be able to be reproduced, and you definitely don’t want to have to copy hundreds of pages of handwritten notes back into a new software program. It can happen if you are not careful with your data, though. Here are some steps you can follow to make sure you always have access to your genealogy data, no matter what happens to your computer.
1. Make a Backup of Your Genealogy File
Most genealogy software programs have a feature that allows you to back up the data. You should do this as often as you can remember to do it. Ideally, you should back up your data each time you add new information to your family tree. If this is too cumbersome of a routine for you, and you feel like you don’t have time to take a few minutes and do it every time you use the software, then do it on a schedule and stick to it. Backing up your data weekly or monthly, on the same day or week of the month each time, is a good practice anyone can do. Make sure to put your backup data in a separate file, and organize your backup files by date in a desktop folder created just for them.
