Recently, another correspondent wrote telling me that their computer crashed and they lost all their data. I was as usual happy to provide the Bunker data for her. However, this always reminds me to back up everything and do it often. I lost all my data once too. It was backed up and all I had to do is reload it. Presently I have a zip drive on which I can load my data and pictures which are numerous. The pictures take up lots of room no matter where I store them. Although I backup my files frequently, what happens if my house burns down? I can't put the disks in my car. I live in Arizona and the disks don't particularly take to the 180 degrees the inside of my car can get on one of our nice warm summer days. I have solved this problem by sending a backup disk to a friend out of state. Since she is also a Bunker and member of BFA the disk is there if something happens to me. Since I sent her the disk, I have entered hundreds of new records or made changes in current files. Some information will still get lost. Today I read a suggestion on the Ancestry newsletter that it is really cheap to rent a safety deposit box in a bank and store back up disks there. I think that is a good idea. But, I must remember to tell someone where they are and be sure they have access to the box too. I also plan on burning CD's for this. It is less bulky than the zip disks. I hope all of you are backing up your data some place. Just because your program automatically backs up the files in another file does not mean you have safely backed up the files. If you computer gets hit by a worm or virus the internal back up files will go too. If your house burns down the computer will melt and probably not operate too well. Do an external back up to a floppy disk, zip disk of CD and then keep it away from your computer. In a different building. Across town. :-0 Bette