How to Back Up to the Hard Drive in Windows XP

External USB hard drives can be used to backup Windows XP data.

The Microsoft Windows XP Backup utility can backup files to a local hard drive. The hard drive can be connected either internally or externally. USB is a common method of connecting external hard drives. The Backup utility saves all data to a single file with a "BKF" file extension, which can be written directly to the hard drive.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and then "Run."

2. Enter "NTBACKUP.EXE" then click "OK."

3. Select "Advanced Mode."

4. Click the "Backup" tab.

5. Click the "Job" menu at the top then select "New."

6. Check the boxes next to all of the drives and folders to be backed up.

7. Select "File" from the "Backup Destination" drop-down list.

8. Type the path to the target hard drive that you want to save the backup to in the "Backup media or file name" text box. A folder path can be appended, if you do not want to backup to the root of the drive. For example, "C:\backups" can be entered.

9. Append a file name to the very end of the entered drive and path, separated by "\." The file name should have a "BKF" file extension to ensure that it is recognized by the Backup utility. For example, "C:\backups\mybackup.bkf" is a complete valid entry.

10. Click "Start Backup" and then "OK."

11. Click "Close" when the backup operation is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the "System State" box when selecting backup files to backup important Windows data, such as the registry and boot files.

• The Backup utility is not installed by default in Windows XP Home Edition. Install it from the Windows XP installation CD by double-clicking "ValueAdd\Msft\Ntbackup\Ntbackup.msi." Automated System Recovery is not supported in the Windows XP Home version of Backup.

References

• Microsoft: How to Use the Backup Utility to Back Up Files and Folders in Windows XP Home Edition
• Microsoft: Windows XP: System State Data