Quick question: Have you backed up your small business computer files today? This month? Ever?

If the answer is no, you’re putting hours and even years of hard work at risk of being damaged or lost entirely due to a computer malfunction, power failure or other unforeseen problem. Remember this warning: “All hard drives eventually die.”

Damaged or lost data files have cost many small or home-based businesses weeks, months or even years of work. It can happen for many reasons. Suddenly your hard drive starts making loud grinding noises and stops working. Or perhaps your laptop might be stolen. Maybe you just simply push a wrong button. Computer viruses can make files vanish. And chances are these digital disasters will occur at a deadline or other time when you absolutely have to retrieve that information.

Having backup files available in the event of trouble could be the difference between staying open or having to shut down. L-A SCORE counselor Ralph Tuttle advises, “There are several ways to back up your business files. One simple method is to copy or “burn” your files to CDs. This works if you don’t have large amounts of data to protect. Another way is to keep a secondary computer or external hard drive around to serve as your backup center.”

Tuttle continued: “Another option is to use a service that lets you back up your data over the Internet. One of those services available is the recently announced company, Carbonite, that will be part of the Lewiston business community later this year. Depending on the amount and type of data you need to save, you can use any one method, or a combination. The key is to make certain at least one set of files is kept in another secure location.”

Have a specific plan in place to back up your data. First decide which files are critical to keeping your business operating. Choose your backup method and perform a full backup at least once a week. Back up the most critical data daily to a device or service, and test the backup files at least quarterly.

There are a wide range of products designed to help busy small business owners safeguard their data. For example, Hewlett-Packard at hp.com, Symantec at smallbiz.Symantec.com and Imation at www.imation.com each offer a line of backup hardware and software solutions. Their websites are full of tips and guidance to help entrepreneurs.

To learn more about starting or improving your small business, contact SCORE, a nonprofit organization of more than 10,500 volunteer business mentors who provide confidential counseling and training workshops. In the Lewiston-Auburn area, call L-A SCORE at 782-3708 for information and an appointment; in Rumford-Mexico call 364-3123; in Oxford Hills call 743-0499. Or contact SCORE at www.SCOREMaine.org.