Very nice post. I also make regular backups, although no where as frequent as you do, nor as frequent as I should either. But I had not though of scanning documents for archival purpose. What an excellent idea.

Here's a couple of thoughts on that idea.

1. Avoid depending upon an backup program for archiving. Save that for restroring your system. Archive documents should be in JPG, PDF or TXT format as these are more likely to be read by programs 10+ years from now. Imagine the difficulty you'd run into trying to restore an old Fastback file from 10 years ago. I just recently tossed a box of 8" floppy diskettes from a Wang OIS word processor that contain much of my collage homework. Heck I still have a bunch of 5 1/2 floppies! Likewise, don't use Zip drives. The technology will change way too fast.

2. Set your default data directories into one file directory tree. For example, sub folders (directories) under Windows "My Documents." This will make locating and backing up/archiving your data easier.

3. Make backup copies of all critical software applications original diskettes. Test them by reinstalling teh software before putting them away.

4. Scan copies of your software licensing certificates. You can purchase replacement CDs for a nominal charge if you can provide proof of licensing.

5. Arrange for out-of-town storage with a friend or family. Having your only back-up set in a BOB bag only works if you can get to the BOB. You may also loose the BOB in the heat of battle during a true emergency as well.

6. If security is an issue, there are encrytion programs available for purchase or even as freeware or shareware. You can encrypte the entire CD as you write your files to it. Chose your passphrase ( a long version of a password) carefully. You will not be able to recover your files if you forget it. If you must write it down, keep it separate from the CD and don't label it as "Passphrase."

7. Pay attention to technology changes. Someday, CDs will become obsolete. Be prepared to either rebuild or convert your archive on new technology. (think of my Wang docs on 8' floppies)

8. Some other items to consider including are credit cards, insurance and precription cards, calling cards, social security numbers, etc..

9. Some information that I should include in an archive I keep in a database for easy management. Keeping in mind that the particular software, like MS Access, that you use may not around when you need it, archive off the data in one of two ways (or both). The cheapest and easiest way is to export the data as a fixed length text file. This is the most universal format for exchanging data between machines and programs. Be sure to incude a copy of the file record and dictionary (if appropriate) to make it easier to import into the new software 10 years from now. Two, create a report in your database software and then print the report into a PDF file. This requires the purchase of Acrobat, the full product not just the reader, in order to create the file. It's nice becasue it retains the report's formating, which may make it easier to read and understand the date. But it's also a bit riskier as the technology may change at sometime in the future and Acrobat may not be a viable software. I would consider doing both, fixed text for protection and PDF for ease of use. Resist temptation to store images as a binary object field. That data will nor export cleanly into a text file and then you are dependent upon having the database software to extract it.

10. Don't forget your PDA backup directories.