that is the whole point you use the image program to capture the image before something happens, then should you have any issues with the pc you simply reload the saved image and you are back to the time the image was taken just like a snapshot so you do want to do the occasional image backup so you have somewhat recent images. That way you are not just backing up your documtents and files you are also backing up your entire windows operating system fully updated and all your settings etc. You never want to wait till it is too late to do any type of backup. If you had to do a regular re-install that would mean you would need either your windows cd or the recovery cd that will bring it all the way back to how it was when you bought it which means you would need to do a LOT of updating of the operating system, redo all your settings then go through all your files and data and insert them in. Imaging is the fastest way to go and much easier in the long run. I use my external drive only when I need it I do not leave it connected. It can be left connected if you choose to do it that way. I use ADRIVE online storage, they provide 50Gig free storage over that you purchase. http://www.adrive.com/

Take a look at the rather long article linked below, it may offer some help. When reading this take a closer look at the photo where he/she has the front connector plugs that fits on the motherboard and his hand showing. You see those 2 connectors off to the left? There really seems to be no place for those on some motherboard yet they need to be connected. Near the end of the article is a troubleshooter Here is a link that might be useful: Front USB connections

Many thanks, everybody, for your advice! That does help a lot. Yes, my photo files do seem to be saved, as they are still there when I turn the drive off and back on. Actually, once I turn the drive off the little "safely remove hardware" icon disappears from my computer screen. So I suspect it's only available when the computer can detect extra hardware plugged in. So is it okay to remove the drive from the computer, as long as the drive is turned off, without going through that "safely remove" thing first? To answer some of your questions, no, there was no pamphlet included with the drive so I didn't get the key code. It is a 500 GB drive and I think it was about 99 dollars that I paid for it. Though, as there was actually only 465 GB free on it, I knew there must be something else on there somewhere--even if it wasn't showing up! I had looked at the Seagate web site before, and I think I saw something on there which said they would send you the software if you gave them the serial number of the drive and a little other information. Though, at the time, I thought they met the installation software and I didn't think I needed that, as it had installed okay. So maybe I'll look into that--or demand a pamphlet from the seller!

Hi there, off-centre, We got yer back, kid! How good that is, what with our rudimentary level of knowledge, computer-wise (well, somewhat reduced "wise", maybe) may be a matter worthy of some question. Thanks for the info. I had a call purportedly from a windows guy the other day, saying there was something wrong with my computer ... I asked him how he knew, without entering my computer uninvited, and he said they'd noticed there was something wrong ... ... was I at my computer? ... ... he could help me fix it. I told him that I was not at the computer ... ... and that my computer is not attached to the internet, whether by line, tower or satellite. That pretty well ended our conversation. Gonna have to change that, though, I think. ole joyful