Backing Up Your Mac Before De-Chapinizing

Important

The De-Chapinizing process will completely erase all data from your laptop. All files, applications, settings, and personal data stored on the device will be permanently removed.

It is your responsibility to back up any data you wish to keep before turning in your laptop.

We recommend completing your backup at least several days before your scheduled drop-off date.

Option 1: Back Up to an External Drive

An external SSD or hard drive provides a local copy of your files. This is the recommended backup method as it does not require access to the Internet, your files may be easily moved back to your laptop after the De-Chapinizing process is completed, and you can store the files in a safe, offline location. Offline external drives may also be used for future backups.

Recommended:

• Long-term storage: Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB
• Short-term storage: Samsung USB drive (512GB or larger)

Step 1: Connect Your External Drive

1. Plug the drive into your Mac.

2. The drive should appear on your desktop or in Finder.

   

Step 2: Create a Backup Folder

1. Open the external drive.
2. Create a folder named:
   • DATE_Chapin_Laptop_Backup
   • E.g. 20260603_Chapin_Laptop_Backup (i.e. June 3, 2026)

Step 3: Copy Your Files

Drag and drop important folders into your backup folder. Locations may include:

• Desktop
• Documents
• Downloads
• Pictures
• Movies
• Music

To Locate These Folders

1. Open Finder.
2. Select your Home folder from the left sidebar.
3. Copy the folders listed above.

Step 4: Verify Your Backup

Before disconnecting the drive:

1. Open several files directly from the external drive.
2. Confirm photos, documents, and other important files are accessible.
3. Verify file sizes appear reasonable.

Step 5: Safely Eject the Drive

1. Right-click the external drive.
2. Select Eject.

Disconnect the drive only after it disappears from Finder.

Option 2: Back Up to Cloud Storage

Cloud storage allows you to access your files from any device with an internet connection. Please bear in mind that depending on how much data you wish to backup, you may need an additional subscription for more space, and backing up over the Internet may take several hours or longer.

Recommended services include:

• Google Drive
• Microsoft OneDrive
• Dropbox
• iCloud Drive

Using Cloud Service

Step 1: Open your Cloud Service

1. Sign in with your personal account (not your Chapin account).

Step 2: Upload Your Files

1. Click + New.
2. Select File Upload or Folder Upload.
3. Choose the files and folders you wish to save.

Common Locations to Back Up

• Desktop
• Documents
• Downloads
• Pictures
• Movies
• Music

Step 3: Verify Your Backup

After uploading:

1. Open several files directly from your cloud service.
2. Confirm they open successfully.
3. Ensure all important folders appear in your cloud service.

Exporting Your Chapin Google Drive Files

If there are Google Drive files in your Chapin account that you wish to keep after leaving Chapin, we recommend starting this process as soon as possible, especially as it can take up to two days for Google to process a takeout request. Files stored in your Chapin Google account will no longer be accessible after June 30, 2026.

Using Google Takeout

1. Visit takeout.google.com.
2. Sign in with your Chapin Google account.
3. Click Deselect All.
4. Select Drive.
5. Click Next Step.
6. Choose:
   • Download Link via Email
   • Export Once
7. Click Create Export.

Google will email you when the export is ready. This may take some time and it is not instant.

Download the archive and store it on:

• Your personal cloud storage
• An external hard drive

Backing Up Outlook Email

If there are emails you wish to keep after leaving Chapin, we recommend starting the process as soon as possible. Your emails will not be accessible after June 30, 2026.

Forward emails

1. Open the email.
2. Find an important email.
3. Select the forward button.
4. Send it to your personal email.

Save Important Emails as PDF

1. Open Outlook.
2. Open the email you want to save.
3. Select File → Print.
4. Choose Save as PDF.
5. Save the PDF to your backup location.

Before You Turn In Your Laptop

Use this checklist:

☐ Important documents backed up

☐ Photos and videos backed up

☐ Downloads folder reviewed

☐ Google Drive exported using Google Takeout

☐ Important Outlook emails saved

☐ Backup verified and accessible

☐ External drive safely ejected (if applicable)

Once the laptop is submitted for De-Chapinizing, all data on the device will be permanently erased and cannot be recovered.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Tech Team at help@chapin.edu or visit us in Room 307 before the end of the school year.