I print out the patterns and keep them in a binder.

I save mine to a USB also.

I back up my whole computer using http://www.mozy.com it's a few bucks a month and so worth the peace of mind. I also have an external hard drive that has everything that is on my computer as well. So there are always 3 copies of my regular files at all times.

For my photos, I do the above, but I also make 2 DVD copies of all my photos, one stays in a binder by my computer and one goes in my fire proof box. So I have 5 copies of my photos at all times. Photos are irreplaceable to me, so I feel like you can never have enough back up of those.

Sorry this happened to you, be sure to bring the drive to an IT person, they may be able to retrieve everything.

Rachel

PS be very careful about having your only copy of any file on a thumb drive, my understanding is that these drives CANNOT be accessed very easily (if at all) if they die on you, unlike a hard drive which can be. A thumb drive is great to use as a second copy of a file, but never as the sole copy. External hard drives are also notorious for crashing, so I wouldn't put the sole copy of something on there either. Again, it's good as a second copy, but never the only. Really you should try to have 2 copies of any file at all times.

I print them then put in page protectors then into binders

I print a hard copy and put in binders along with patterns I pull out of my quilting magazines. I also use a flash drive and backup my computer once a month because sometimes it months before I print out a pattern.

Page protectors and binders.

You should take it to a computer place. Often when you think it is all gone is really is not. They may be able to retrieve the information and perhaps at a reasonable cost. Or find someone who knows how to do this. Don't do anything to your computer if you want to have them look at it. You might really get rid of the info.

I keep patterns I really want in a binder, too!

I also keep patterns in a binder. It was originally to keep them all together & from getting lost, but has been something I go back through often.

Me too. I might save the home quilt address I found it at also.