Back up the old PC

Find what matters#

Sign into Windows one last time. Check Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, browser downloads, game saves and any folders created directly on other drives. If the PC belonged to someone else, ask them before erasing anything.

Copy important files to an external drive or another computer. Open a few copied files from the destination—not from the old PC—to prove the copy works. A list of filenames is not a backup if the files cannot be opened.

Identify the drives#

Open Disk Management in Windows and note each drive’s capacity and model. A “500 GB” drive may appear around 465 GB; that is normal. Photograph the screen or write the model and size on paper.

If the computer contains extra drives, shut down and disconnect the power or data cable from every drive you do not want the installer to touch. If that is unfamiliar or physically difficult, stop and get help rather than guessing.

Final backup check#

• Important files exist on another physical device.
• Several copied files open correctly.
• You know the model and capacity of the intended ZimaOS drive.
• Extra drives are disconnected when practical.
• Password-manager or browser data has been exported or synced if needed.
• The old PC is plugged into reliable power.