Alfred's Serif Users' Forums — Backing up X7 to a usb

Re: Backing up X7 to a usb

null@example.com (dcr) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:17:47 +0000

FWIW, and in case this might help anyone else, I keep a dedicated external hard drive for storing applications. I started doing this after the Adobe switch to subscriptions and it started as just an Applications folder on my hard drive, then I later moved it to its own external drive.

On the drive, I have directories/folders for software vendors with individual directories/folders inside for their applications. I keep copies of installers, instructions, patches, upgrades, etc. in there so everything is readily available. Also I try to keep a text file for each application with purchase info, license info, special instructions, etc. I also have a master spreadsheet where I keep a list of all my applications, along with the license or activation codes (when applicable), purchase date, purchase price, whether it was a full version or upgrade purchase, initial install date, system requirements, OS compatibility and so on.

Granted, it's not as up to date as it should be and I still have some software obtained the past the year that needs to be added, but basically my goal is to keep everything in one place so I can easily get to them when and if needed.

Re: Backing up X7 to a usb

null@example.com (Alan) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:06:39 +0000

Alfred wrote:

Wow, is it really 20 years since we first ‘met’??

I'm afraid so.
You'd think I'd know what I was doing by now but no :-)

Re: Backing up X7 to a usb

null@example.com (Alfred) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:22:10 +0000

Wow, is it really 20 years since we first ‘met’??

Re: Backing up X7 to a usb

null@example.com (Alan) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:39:09 +0000

All sorted and explained by Alfred. Thank you so much for your help - over the last 20 years !

Re: Backing up X7 to a usb

null@example.com (Alfred) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:12:45 +0000

It isn’t merely ‘easier’ with an installer via disc or download, it’s impossible without. The installer adds crucial entries to the Windows registry, and you don’t get those if you simply copy the installed files across.

Please check your email.

Re: Backing up X7 to a usb

null@example.com (Alan) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:42:08 +0000

As a follow up, after a lot of messages with ChatGTP, this is obviously a lot easier if I had the original disk. If I could get hold of a copy, would I use my original Product Key or the one that comes with the disk. Also, do I remember that you had to update the program once installed? If so, is it known what files were updated and could I copy those from my current installation?

Backing up X7 to a usb

null@example.com (Alan) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:22:29 +0000

Had a close call earlier this week! Had realised I didn't have any cds for X7, must have downloaded it, and I should back the programme up. I had copied across everything in the Serif directory and was going to continue next day. Then the laptop failed. Luckily it's been fixed but makes you sweat when you realise old programmes were not backed up completely.
So, what other files do I need to copy across? And will my licence details be included in any of these files?
Thanks as always.