Windows XP Backup Tutorial

Back up your files and folders on Windows XP.

The Backup Utility is a software application created by Microsoft for the Windows XP operating system. The Backup Utility can backup sets of important files to a different device, so that the user can restore them without losing data if the original copy gets lost or corrupted. You can easily create backups on Windows XP.

Things You'll Need

• Administrator access to the computer

Instructions

1. Determine which files and folders need to be backed up. Typically, users back up the contents of their personal XP profile, rooted at "C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME" (replace USERNAME by your Windows user name.) However, depending on the file organization you follow, you may need to back up additional folders located elsewhere in the disk, or you may want only a fraction of the contents of your XP profile (e.g., back up content under "My Documents" but not your configuration settings for a text editor.)

2. Start the Backup Utility by clicking "Start" and then "All programs." Select "Accesories," "System tools" and then "Backup." A backup wizard window will come up.

3. Click "Next," select "Back up files and settings" and then click "Next." Select "Let me choose what to back up" and then click "Next."

4. Navigate the folder hierarchy on the left window pane until you see each of the folders identified in Step 1; then, click next to it so that a check mark appears. When all folders have been thus marked, click "Next."

5. Click "Browse" and then navigate to the location (device and folder within that device) where you want the backup to be stored. Click "Next" and then "Finish." The backup will begin immediately. When it is finished, a copy of all backed up files will be present at the location you chose.

References

• Microsoft: Windows XP Backup Made Easy