How to Back Up Your Data

Creating a backup of your computer files and photos is really not very difficult. In fact, if you are using one of the Microsoft Windows systems such as XP or Vista, there is a backup utility built right in.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Some sort of external media for storing your backup file, such as a CD, DVD, USB Flash Drive, or an external hard drive.

1. 
   Welcome Screen

   Windows XP and Vista have a built-in backup utility called the "Windows Backup or Restore Wizard" that you can use to backup your system and data. You can run the backup (or restore) using the wizard screens, or if you are fairly savvy on a PC, there is an advanced version which contains more settings and options. For the average home-user the wizard screens will work just fine.
   
   The Windows XP Backup utility can be found by clicking on the START button in the lower left-hand corner of your desktop. From the resulting menu click on All Programs, then Accessories (usually at the top of the program list), then System Tools, and then BACKUP.
   
   When you open the Backup Wizard you’ll be presented with the Welcome window. This where you can click on the Advanced Mode link if you want to go that route. You can also check or uncheck the “Always start in wizard mode” checkbox. Click the Next button to begin.
   
   Important Note: Unfortunately, the Windows XP Backup utility is not included in the Windows XP Home Edition’s default installation. The Backup utility is included on the Windows XP Home Edition CD-ROM. You must install the utility from the CD.

2. 

   In this window you’ll select to do a Backup or a Restore. Here we selected the Back up files and settings option. Click Next to continue.

3. 

   Here you specify exactly what you want to back up. Click Next to continue.

4. 

   Here you’ll first choose a place to save your backup. I’m using an external hard drive that shows up in My Computer as drive letter E:\. Then I’ll give my backup file a name. I like to use the year, followed by the month, followed by the date (if you are backing up weekly), and then the computer name. Click Next to continue.

5. 

   This window will recap your selections for final approval.
   
   You can also click on the Advanced button which will take you through several more windows of options, such as choosing one of the five types of backups, or scheduling a certain time for your backup to begin.
   
   When you click Finish, the back up process begins according to your specifications.

6. 

   When the back up is complete, this window appears. You can see a detailed report by clicking on the Report button. Click Close when ready.
   
   That’s it. You now have a backup of your personal data.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, the Windows XP Backup utility is not included in the Windows XP Home Edition’s default installation. The [Backup utility]is included on the Windows XP Home Edition CD-ROM. You must install the utility from the CD.
• Make sure your backup media has plenty of room for your backup file.

Resources

• For more information click here.

[sharonmg]

on 8/1/2009 great article!