Disasters occur. Sometimes they're predicted, such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions and tornadoes; but usually when computer data gets destroyed, it's the little disasters that play a hand -- things such as power surges, children with sticky fingers or sudden and permanent hard drive crashes. Some users have even lost all data while installing a Windows Update.

If you use a computer, your data will, at some point, get lost. Most Realtors lose data once and only once -- after their first disaster, ensuing panic and hours of work to recoup the information, they make sure it never happens again.

To save your computer data and avoid the stress, consider the following:

• Back up your computer(s) regularly. You back up a computer by copying the data and storing it on some type of secondary device that remains intact if you lose the original data or even the computer itself.

  Use a rotating cycle for backups. Back up vital data in two different locations, and consider a weekly rotating schedule. On week one, for example, you might back up data from the office and store it nearby in spot safe from fire and water damage. On week two, you might store the backup data offsite, perhaps by taking a copy home or to a branch office.

• Save only customized data. Software applications require a lot of memory and don't need saving because they're easily replaced. If you use Quicken to compile your financial records and write checks, for example, you need only use the built-in Backup feature. Besides saving on your computer, be sure to save that file to an external disk such a zip, CD, etc. In the event your computer is completely destroyed, you could reload the Quicken program onto a new computer from original software installation CDs or by buying a new copy. You would have the backup that you had saved on external disk to reinstall.

• Backup e-mail. Most e-mail programs such as Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express explain how to do this under the HELP menu. When backing up e-mail, also save your contact list or address book. On a PC, export the contact list to a CSV text file, which you can then open in Excel and print.

• Make a hard copy of current financial statements. You may need your financial information before you get your computer back. And if faced with an extended loss of power after a major disaster, such as the hurricanes that ravaged Florida this summer, the financial information will be needed to fill out insurance and FEMA forms.

• Make a hard copy of important emergency contact information. Include insurance companies, credit cards, banks, schools, utility companies, etc., along with account numbers, Web site addresses and phone numbers. Save this info to external media, such as a CD, zip disk or floppy disc, rather than on the computer. Because it includes personal financial information and addresses, a virus could discover it and spam your contacts, or an identity thief could steal the data.