Posted by VT_Syrup on 6/26/13 8:47am
Msg #474754

Lessons learned from lightning

1. The electrocuted computer ran Windows 7. I backed up using Windows Backup to an external drive. New computer uses Windows 8. I just went to the folder on my external drive that had my backup, double-clicked, followed the prompts, and all my data was restored. I still in the process of reinstalling programs such as Microsoft Office.

2. I was able to restore all my Outlook email without knowing the password for any of my accounts on my old computer. This proves that backups of Outlook email are not protected (just think of all those PDF closing packages sent as email attachments). So it is important to keep the external drive in a secure location.

Now to select a successor for my electrocuted printer. Anybody want to buy a new-in-box photoconductor for a Lexmark E260dn? I'll even send you a paper tray for one; we can discuss how to share the risk the paper tray is fried too.

Reply by Yoli/CA on 6/26/13 10:31am
Msg #474765

Mother Nature in her glory - She gives and takes. But mainly, She just dishes it out.

Sorry you're having to go through all that!

Given your experience, VT, would you suggest staying away from our electronics during an electrical storm? I'm serious. When it's raining or storming outside, I know I tend to stay on my computer, which BTW, is surrounded by printers. The external drive is next to computer. Maybe I should reconfigure the layout?

Reply by VT_Syrup on 6/26/13 3:21pm
Msg #474807

I would certainly avoid using electronics that are plugged into the wall or connected to a traditional land line during a thunderstorm. I found one link that seems credible and discusses this:

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/35320/35323/327889.html?d=dmtHMSContent

Reply by sueharke on 6/26/13 10:35am
Msg #474767

Aren't you happy that you backed-up that computer? I learned that battery backup units are very important for people who live anywhere lightening happens (anywhere in the world). We unplug the telephone line from the modem, the power plug from the wall, turn off the UPS. We haven't lost a computer, modem, or printer by doing this.

Reply by jba/fl on 6/26/13 11:48am
Msg #474777

I forgot the phone line unplugged from the wall and lost my modem and ethernet card, plus the cables and cords on that path. I don't forget anymore.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 6/27/13 1:33am
Msg #474858

All great reminders!

I have power strips on everything which I switch off if there's been a power failure (or planned outage), but I never thought about the phone line. Thunder and lightening is fairly rare around here, but does happen occasionally. Next time, I'll unplug the phone line, too, at least from all of my equipment. Thanks for mentioning it!