how do i do a back up for xp?

Question

how do i do a back up for xp when if somthing happens i can get it back(like when i want to use the back up disc?)

and how can i do it without going onto the internet?

Answer 1

If you install a second hard drive, you can use Windows Backup to create a full restore of your system. Windows Backup won't write to CDs or DVDs though (contrary to popular opinion here).

You will need the Windows CD to do a restore, but the system will be restored exactly as it was when you backed it up. You just boot to the Windows CD, hit the button it tells you to hit to do a restore, then insert a floppy disk that Windows Backup will have you create when you do a full system backup.

There are programs that will back up your system to CDs or DVDs. I used to mess with them a long time ago. Some worked great and some didn't work. Testing the backups can be scary!!! I've just been using Windows Backup and a second hard drive now and it works great. Backups and restores are quicker... I keep a copy of important files on both drives, so when one drive dies... no big deal... I don't have to keep burning disks all the time in order to keep backup copies of things.

That Windows program that's supposed to restore your computer to the way it was at a previous time has never worked for me. Whatever I hope to fix is always still messed up after running it. I just leave it disabled for better performance. I think doing a full system backup occasionally is definitely the way to go. I haven't had to install Windows and all my software from scratch for years now and life's been good!!!

EDIT: I guess you could store the backup on a second partition of a single drive, but you wouldn't have a backup if your hard drive kicks the bucket...

Answer 2

You can not backup the OS (windows xp, or any other), but you can backup your data. Windows has a sytem restore which you can change settings on, this allows your to revert your computer back to a certain day if something goes wrong. But if something really bad happens, you will need your windows cd.

Answer 3

For XP, you want to have a legitimate purchase and the CD with product key. Then, you can reinstall if necessary.

To backup the system, create a restore point immediately before uninstalling or installing anything. Then, if it doesn't work out, you can "restore" your system to a time when it worked correctly.

As for backing up files you create, you can invest in an external hard drive or some flashdrives. They work like floppies and make backup very easy.

Here is information on system restore for XP:
WindowsXP System Restore – excellent link – explains with graphics
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

WindowsXP Repair Explained
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/options_to_use_when_a_system_will_not_start.mspx?mfr=true

WindowsXP Repair Tools
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How%20to%20Repair%20Windows%20XP%20by%20Installing%20Over%20top%20of%20Existing%20Setup:

http://www.download-download-this.com/4.html?OVRAW=Windows%20Installer%20corrupted&OVKEY=window%20installer&OVMTC=advanced

Fix and/or Repair Windows
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm
http://www.onsitechicago.com/support/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=23&nav=0

Answer 4

Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Backup.

It WILL back up your OS and everything else on your hard disk if you want it too. You will need a backup medium (writeable CD or DVD or external hard drive).

Bert

Answer 5

Get proper backup media: Flash drive, USB hard drive, or just another hard drive, then mount it as another drive(i. e., D:\), then goto Start>all programs>accessories?>backup, backup your files to the other HDD, or back it up to a CD/DVD/HDDVD/Blu-Ray.

Answer 6

the perfect way to back up data for me is to do that with Acronis True Image.I just back up everything and then burn it to any media or external drive.Very easy...