Backup Risk Calculator
Answer a few practical questions to see whether your photos, files and business documents are protected, partly protected or exposed if a device fails, files are deleted or a scam/ransomware event happens today.
How exposed are your important files?
Answer the questions and get a practical risk level with next steps.
Why backup risk matters
A good backup protects against more than a broken laptop. It should also help with accidental deletion, lost devices, failed SSDs or hard drives, malware, ransomware, and cloud account problems.
The safest approach is usually automatic backup, more than one location, and a restore test so you know the files can actually come back when needed.
Stop using the device if
- A hard drive is clicking, disappearing or asking to be formatted.
- Important files vanished after accidental deletion or a failed transfer.
- You see a ransom note or files have strange extensions.
- An SSD, hard drive, USB or memory card is no longer detected.
Need help turning this result into a safe next step?
Use the result as a starting point, then call, WhatsApp or send the details through Quick Help. We can help you work out what is urgent, what can wait and what needs hands-on support across Melbourne's North.
Backup risk questions
Is OneDrive, iCloud or Google Drive the same as backup?
Sometimes it helps, but sync is not always a complete backup. If a file is deleted, overwritten or encrypted, that change may sync. A safer setup includes version history, another backup location and a tested restore.
How often should I back up important files?
For everyday home use, automatic daily backup is a good baseline. For business files, the right timing depends on how much work you can afford to lose.
What should I do if my drive is clicking?
Stop using it. Clicking or disappearing drives can get worse with continued use. Do not install recovery software onto the same drive.
Does this calculator guarantee my files are safe?
No. It is indicative only. A proper backup check may need to confirm devices, cloud settings, version history and restore testing.
Can you help set up automatic backup?
Yes. We can help with OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive, external drives, business file backup and practical restore testing.