Don’t lose your old digital files to time

July 19, 2024

By Kim Komando

Physical media like VHS tapes aren’t the only tech with an expiration date. Your digital files can get outdated, too. If you don’t want your precious photos, videos and documents to go the way of the dodo, look out for them before it’s too late.

You’re probably thinking, “Ugh, Kim! I know it’s important, but I’ll do it later!” But you’ll forget. Schedule a time on your calendar to get this done before the end of the summer. I believe in you!

What’s in danger?

File formats from the early 2000s, like those used by Adobe Flash (SWF, FLV, F4V) and WordPerfect (WPD), or outdated video file types (WMV, AVI, M4V), all are at risk. You may also have trouble sharing MOV or ASF files across devices.

When in doubt, you’ll want to convert to the most common file formats. Think DOCX, PDF, MP4 and JPEG. I have a great how-to on my site.

Now, I know a lot of you have WPD files from the old WordPerfect word processor. Here’s how to convert them quickly and easily:

• Open Zamzar in your web browser.
• Click Choose Files and select your WPD file.
• Keep PDF as the new file format and click Convert Now.

Presto! You’ll get a download link for a future-proofed PDF file.

Back up to the cloud

For videos, YouTube lets you upload unlimited private videos to your channel for free. Even better, it’s YouTube’s responsibility to keep them up to date.

• On YouTube, click the camera icon (top right), and then tap Upload video.
• Choose a file. Fill out the title and description for the clip.
• Pro tip: Set your video to Private if you don’t want anyone to see it.
• Click Save to upload the video to your channel.

Keep your files organized

A little cleanup goes a long way. Start with your oldest files to see what you’re dealing with.

In File Explorer on Windows:

• Click the View > Details > Date modified until the oldest dates show up first.
• Search by file extension to find out-of-date formats. Try the ones I listed above first.

If you’re Team Mac, you can search for old files in Finder:

• Open the View > As List > Date Modified.
• Click View, then check Use Groups > Group by > Kind. Your Mac will automatically group any unrecognized file types under Other. Start there.

Wait before you ditch old apps

Sometimes, really old files need really old software to open them. Convert any files handled by older programs (like that CD software that came with your old camcorder) before you get rid of them.

• On Windows, choose Settings > Apps > Installed apps. At the top, you can sort by date.
• On macOS, go to Finder > Go > Applications > View > Sort By > Date.

⌛ There are entire organizations dedicated to preserving digital history. Internet Archive is totally worth a visit. Look! Here I am teaching computer basics back in 1993. Nice hair, right? I’m such an overnight success!

Don’t get left tech-behind – Stay tech-ahead

Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.

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