How to Backup Computer Settings

It's always a good idea to backup your settings.

Having a backup of your computer settings allows you to easily return your machine to your desired operating condition in the event that your computer needs to be restored or suffers a hard drive crash. Windows includes the Backup and Restore Center to assist you in creating backups for files, folders, software or entire hard drives. Create a backup of the computer's system image and store it in a safe place in case you ever need to restore your computer.

Things You'll Need

• External Hard Drive or DVD(s)

Instructions

1. Connect the external hard drive or insert a blank DVD into your computer's disc drive.

2. Click "Start" and choose "Control Panel." Click on the "System And Maintenance" icon and select the "Backup And Restore Center" option. The Backup And Restore Center will appear.

3. Click the "Set up backup" link under the "Backup" heading. Select the destination volume to store the backup. Click your disc drive if you are backing up the settings on a DVD, or click on the drive icon for the external hard drive.

4. Click "Let Me Choose" and check the box for "Include a System Image of Drives" to ensure that the computer's settings are included on the backup. Click on the box for any other file or folder you want to include on the backup.

5. Click "Next" and click the "Save Settings and Run Backup" to create the backup of the computer settings. The program will notify you once the backup is complete.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Backup and Restore