How to Backup Windows XP Pro SP2
Your computer came with Windows XP Pro installed, but you had to wait for automatic updates to download and install Service Pack 2 on your machine. If you have a slower connection, the last thing you want to do is to wait again should you have to reformat the hard drive or restore your computer to a point before SP2 was installed. Your best option is to create backup disks of the entire XP system, so that Windows XP Pro SP2 can be reinstalled easily if needed.
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Things You'll Need
- External hard drive or,
- A separate partition on your existing drive
- Floppy drive
- Floppy disk
Instructions
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1
Click on the "Start" button, and choose "All Programs".
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Select "Accessories" and then "System Tools." Choose "Backup" from the System Tools menu.
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3
Click "Next" on the first screen of the wizard. Choose "Backup Files and Settings" from the options given on the second screen, and click "Next."
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Choose the radio button next to the text line "All information on this computer." Click "Next".
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Choose where to save the backup file. The wizard will make one large backup file, so your best bet is to store that file on an external hard drive or a separate partition on your hard drive. If you have a second hard drive installed on your system, you can also store the backup on that drive.
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Type a name for your backup in the text box on the screen. This could be something like," xpbackup," or another name that will be easily identifiable. Click "Next"
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Click "Finish" on the screen. The backup process will begin.
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Insert a blank floppy disk in the floppy drive when prompted by the Backup Wizard. The wizard will create the files you need to recover your system on the floppy should you have a hard drive crash or failure. Many newer computers do not have a floppy drive installed, so you may need to purchase--or borrow--a USB floppy drive for your computer.
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Tips & Warnings
You can burn a copy of the backup file to a CD or DVD after the process is complete. The XP Pro Backup Wizard will not write directly to a CD or DVD.
Once the backup is complete, store the floppy in a cool, dry place.
You can also use the Backup Wizard to make regular, routine backups of your data files. Once you have set the schedule for this, the program will back up your data in the background while you continue working.
