How Do I Use Windows Backup?
Although modern PCs are faster and more reliable than their predecessors, hardware failures, malware and spyware can spell disaster for your precious data if you are not prepared. A regular backup plan is not only smart; it is an essential element to ensuring that you have continuous access to important documents and files. Although Microsoft has generally made backing up Windows files relatively easy with most versions of the operating system, Windows 7 allows you to create and schedule backups with a few clicks of the mouse.
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Instructions
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Connect an external hard drive or flash drive to an empty USB port on the PC. Wait for Windows to detect the drive and configure it as a storage device on your computer.
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Click "Start" and then "Control Panel." Once the main "Control Panel" window appears, click "System and Maintenance" and then "Backup and Restore Center."
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Click "Set up Backup" and wait while Windows configures basic backup options and displays the "Set up Backup" Window.
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4
Click and select the drive where you want to store backup files from the "Save Backup On" list box. Click the "Next" button.
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Click to select the "Let Windows Choose (Recommended)" option to allow Windows to create a standard backup of important files and libraries. This option also instructs Windows to create a system image you can use if Windows becomes corrupted or if your computer stops working. If you only want to back up select files or folders, click and select the "Let Me Choose" option. After you make your selection, click the "Next" button.
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6
Click the "Change Schedule" link near the bottom of the "Review Your Backup Settings" window. Click the check box next to the "Run Backup on a Schedule (Recommended)" option. Create an automated backup schedule by choosing the frequency, day and time to run the backup in the list boxes. After you establish the backup schedule, click the "OK" button.
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Click the "Save Settings and Run Backup" button. Windows performs an initial backup based on your selections and saves the backup files to the drive or storage device you selected. Depending on the amount of data to back up, the process could take a few minutes or a few hours.
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Click the "OK" button when prompted with the "Backup Finished" message. Windows closes the main "Backup" window. After you complete the initial backup, Windows performs subsequent automated backups based on the schedule you created.
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