Outlook Express won't load

[Shane]

I wouldn't worry about it

How is outlook express going now?

If it still doesn't work then the files that holds the email might be bad and we need to find a repair tool.

Shane

[macnext1]

Outlook Express didn't do a thing (not even an hourglass). To be honest I would like to get some kind of system backup  before we worry about Outlook. What I think I need is a bootable disc with the operating system, keys and installed programs. Then on another disc all the 'data files'. Does that sound right?

Mac

[Shane]

You need to get an external hard drive for your backup. DVD is going to be too small.

There is some free backup software you can use like fbackup. You can also buy some backup software that does a image of your drive.

Shane

[macnext1]

I have a couple of external drives. Do I need to clean them out so a boot record can be written on it? How in the world do you boot from an external drive?

Mac

[Shane]

No it doesnt work like that.

What ever backup program you decide to use will make an image of the system. Then you will use that same software to restore the image.

I am not a fan of Symantec but here is just an example of image software
http://us.norton.com/ghost/

Shane

[Evan]

Alright Mac, sorry I've been away. Where do you stand on this? Do you still need a backup software to try? Is CheckDisk still running when you boot up the machine? Etc., etc., etc.

Evan

[macnext1]

Hi Evan -- good to talk to you again. You been doing good? Been off on another fantastic vacation?

Haven't rebooted in awhile (fear and superstion and not to mention fear). Today I got some free software (Easeus Todo). Created a system backup file on an external drive. Then created a bootable DVD. Looking at the DVD it would appear to have the programs required to do the restore. My question now is --- how do I get the Gateway to boot from that DVD? I'm betting it's not as simple as putting the disc in and doing a restart. Once I can boot up from the disc and it appears to be able to do the restore then I'm calling it done. Once it's done then we can go back and work on getting Outlook Express to work.

Mac