How to Avoid loss of Windows Configuration and Documents

Often times users backup more data than they need or not enough. In today's article, you will learn what to backup and what you can skip. You will also learn how to restore your windows settings. Read on...

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comnputer
• Backup Drive

1. 

   Connect your backup Drive and verify you can see it in My Computer.

2. If you use Outlook, open it now, if not skip to step 4.
   In Outlook Express, Click Tools > Accounts > Export
   In Outlook 2003/2007, Click Tools > Email Accounts > Export
   Now Click: File > Export > Address book > comma separated value. Export your contacts/address book.

3. 

   Backing up your email messages is important, but you cannot do it from outlook’ s file > export. That only sends your messages to outlook exchange server.
   
   To back up your messages, Just backup your Documents and Settings folder.
   
   To Restore your messages after a reinstall,
   Open Outlook
   Click File > Import >
   browse to: C:\Documents and Settings\c_smith\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities
   Run the Import
   
   
   The typical location is: C:\Documents and Settings\NAME \Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{FFF9D812-923C-4D58-94D9-1783FEC73B01}\Microsoft\Outlook Express.
   
   Keep in mind the above location is hidden so searching for it might be easier.
   
   You can also turn on “show hidden files from My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View > Show Hidden Files.

4. 

   The "Documents and settings" folder contains your My Documents folder, your email and your desktop and is the most important thing to backup. I have shown you how to find your email-messages. Your Documents folder is easy. Just open "documents and settings" and locate your profile name. From here you can restore your documents folder and your favorites for Internet Explorer.

5. That's about it.
   You have just learned to backup and restore...
   * My documents
   * Email messages
   * Contacts
   * Email account settings
   * Internet Favorites

Tips & Warnings

• Store your files on a flash drive or a USB backup drive and keep it in a safe place. (In case of fire, you can grab your USB-Drive and run.)
• Backup the entire documents and settings folder every week
• Write down your LAN settings if you are one of the few folks who have special settings from a school-IT Department.
• Your Email password and server settings are stored in the account backup

[gizmo2010]

on 2/4/2008 This helped me a lot. Thanks for this article!

[MidniteWriter]

on 1/25/2008 I get this question a lot from my clients. It is good for others to know where your documents actually are, and those precious favorites you do not want to lose. Thanks for sharing this information!