Windows XP Professional Edition Backup
The backup utility can be found in Start-All Programs-Accessories-System Tools. The figure below shows the window that first opens. In this dialog box, you have a choice between Microsoft's step-by-step "Wizard" or the "Advanced Mode". We will first look at the "Wizard" mode. "Advanced Mode" is discussed on another page.
Click "Next" to open the window below. You have a choice of creating a new backup or restoring a previous backup. Make a selection and click "Next".
The next window appears if you are making a new backup. It gives you a choice of what to back up. You may wish to back up everything or just certain folders and/or files. Here we will pick "Let me choose what to back up". Click "Next".
A dialog box will open listing the contents of your computer. Select the particular folders and files that you want to back up. Click "Next".
Now choose where you want to put the backup and what you want to call it. If you are backing up the entire system, make sure that the backup medium has enough space. When you have chosen the destination, click "Next".
A point to remember is that the backup will be a single file and that FAT32 files cannot exceed 4 GB. If you have a larger amount even after compression, any backup drives should be formatted with NTFS. Also note that the utility cannot do a direct backup to a CD-R. Either you have to back up to a folder on a hard drive and then copy to a CD or you need packet-writing software and a CD-RW. The same holds for DVDs.
The next dialog box shows the settings that you have chosen. If they are correct, click "Finish" to create the backup. If you wish, there are also some advanced settings that can be used to modify the backup procedure. They can be accessed by clicking the "Advanced' button before proceeding to "Finish". These settings are considered on the next page.
When the backup is finished, you will get the window shown below
dvanced mode for Windows XP backup
Using the advanced mode for backing up in Windows XP is discussed on the next page.
Backup in Windows 7
The backup facility provided with Windows 7 is much improved. For a discussion go to this other page.
