Stuff happens. That’s why we decided to create this list of storage tips to ensure your Dragon usage is uninterrupted and that you don’t have to buy a license twice. Here are a few ideas to keep your install files, voice profile and key code within reach and safe.
1. Upload to the Cloud
If you’ve got an email account with an online service provider, chances are you’ve got a few GB worth of storage as a handy spin-off. While it’s useful to have a TB to keep a backup of everything on your computer – the main thing is that you save a copy in the cloud. It’s great because you can rely on specialised servers designed to juggle your information – less prone to disintegration or loss.
By “cloud” we mean that magical place where photos may be set to automatically upload when we’re connected to a wi-fi hotspot. While it may not be magical enough for Care Bears or unicorns, it’s a great place for Dragon. Use the cloud to store your precious key code – the digits often starting K809A or similar – used to activate your software. If you really want to get fancy, ensure you’ve got a reasonable back up of your voice profile in case you need to revert back to it for whatever reason.
2. Store on an External Drive
Physical media is a next best option. It’s still a good idea to have a back up of your voice profile and key code on a flash drive or external hard drive. Storing stuff in the “cloud” can cost extra depending on how much space you have and your requirements. If you’re not stockpiling GBs of information, your storage needs may be quite simple.
Sometimes it’s good enough to have your Dragon stuff on a flash drive – or if you’re really concerned – two flash drives. The down side is that these itty bitty storage devices are also called thumb drives because they’re small. Some are so small that they need to be stored in a wallet. We’d suggest you mark the flash drive with ‘Dragon’, keep them in an easy-to-find place or attach them to some keys so they’re harder to lose.
3. Save to a Dragon Folder
In all cases it’s not a bad idea to have a central place to store all your files related to Dragon on your PC. Our technicians like to have the install files handy in case we need to assist with a complete reinstall or repair. However, this is also a great place to store or export your most recent voice profile. Create a text file with your key code. Export a copy of your custom vocabulary into text file format and store that here too.
It’s good to have quick access to these things, which is why it’s recommended to have them on your computer. However, as a precaution be sure to have a copy somewhere else as with options 1 and 2. If your computer crashes, requires reformatting, gets lost or stolen… your install files, back up voice profile and key code can have you up-and-running again as if nothing happened. Don’t risk losing all the time spent doing customisations and corrections.
4. Store in a Safe Place
If you have the disc and sleeve that Dragon comes in, usually the result of a boxed purchase, be sure to keep this safe. We’d suggest you’d rather do one of the options above. If you do one thing, make sure you email yourself the key code. If your email account remains accessible, your valuable details will too. This is a good fall back option if for whatever reason your disc goes missing.
There’s a handy sticker on the back of the disc with your key code. Peel this off and stick it in a book – just make sure you have it. If you lose this disc and sleeve, you can still find your key code on your installed version of Dragon by accessing the Help dropdown menu and then About splash screen.