How to Backup Your Entire Computer With Vista

Windows Vista's Backup and Restore Center is a feature that can be used to make automated backups. With the Backup and Restore Center you backup data in two different ways: you can backup specific files that you select, or you can make a backup of your entire computer. When you make a backup of your entire computer, Vista creates a shadow copy of your whole operating system, and then stores it on a backup hard drive.

Things You'll Need

• External hard drive

Instructions

1. Connect your backup drive to your computer.

2. Start Windows.

3. Click on the "Start" menu button, then type "Backup" into the Start search box.

4. Click on "Backup and Restore Center."

5. Click on the "Back up computer" button and follow the on-screen instructions. The instructions may vary depending on how your computer is set up. For example, if you use multiple partitions, or have a RAID system setup.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use Backup and Restore center to backup individual files to a hard drive, flash drive, CD or DVD.

• Backing up your entire computer requires several gigabytes of storage space. You need a drive with at least as much space as your computer is currently taking up. You can view how much space you are currently using by clicking on the "Computer" icon on your desktop.

References

• Vista 4 Beginners: How to Backup Your Data
• Microsoft: A Guide to Windows Vista Backup Technologies
• Computer Hope: Determining Available Hard Drive Space