How to Backup Windows XP Home Edition

Your computer cost you from hundreds toyour Windows XP CD-ROM.
thousands of dollars, but the computer itself is not1. After inserting the CD-ROM, open Control Panel's
the most valuable part. The data on the hard disk is"Add or Remove Programs" utility. In the "Add or
the most valuable part. How many hours of work didRemove Programs" utility", click on the "Add New
you put into creating that data? One little event, likePrograms" button, then click on the "CD or Floppy"
a power line spike from a lightning strike, and all thatbutton.
work could be lost. Unfortunately, backing up with2. In the "Run Installation Program" dialog box that
Windows XP Home Edition is not as simple as itappears, navigate to the VALUEAD/MSFT
should be.NTBACKUP folder on the CD-ROM and select the file
The first step is to choose a backup device. YouNTBACKUP.MSI. Click on the "Finish" button. The
might choose a tape drive or a DVD drive, but thoseBackup utility will be installed.
devices might require drivers to be installed beforePerform a Full Backup
you could restore from them. The simplest option isTo perform a backup, select Start | Programs |
to install a second hard drive in your computer.Accessories | System Tools | Backup to open the
The second hard drive doesn't have to be equal toBackup Utility.
your main hard drive. You can use an older, smallerNote: If you don't find Backup listed in System Tools,
hard drive as the backup device, as long as thedouble click on the file name ntbackup.exe in the
backup drive has more "Free Space" than the mainWindows\system32 folder.
hard drive has "Used Space".In the "Backup or Restore Wizard", click on the
Install a Second Hard Drive"Advanced Mode" link. In the "Backup Utility" dialog
When installing a second hard drive in your computer,box, select the "Backup" tab and set the checkbox
it's important to configure the drives correctly. Yournext to the drive to backup (c:) and set the
motherboard should have two ATA (sometimescheckbox next to "System State".
called IDE) connectors. The primary connector shouldIn the "Backup media or file name" text box, enter
have a cable with two drive connectors. The endthe path to the file for the backup (example
connector should go to your main hard drive, theE:\Backup.bkf). Click on the "Start Backup" button.
middle connector can be used for a backup hardIn the "Backup Job Information" dialog box that
drive. The second motherboard ATA connectorappears, set the radio button next to "Replace the
should go to your CD-ROM.data on the media with this backup". Click on the
On the back of each hard drive is a jumper. The"Start Backup" button. The "backup Progress" dialog
jumper on your main hard drive should be set to thebox will appear.
"Master" position. The jumper on your backup hardEven when you backup to relatively fast media like
drive should be set to "Slave" position. Most modernhard disk, the process can take 30 minutes or longer
computers use "Cable Select", so you can set bothdepending upon how much data is on the main drive.
jumpers to the "Cable Select" position. Don't forgetWhen the backup is complete, turn off the computer
the power connector for the second drive.and remove the data and power cables from the
When you restart your computer, the second drivebackup drive. It doesn't make sense to leave the
should be automatically recognized and be designatedbackup drive connected because if the cause of a
with the next drive letter available, usually E: (D: beingfailure is a power spike, it will take out both drives.
used for the CD-ROM drive).Next time you want to backup you'll need to reinstall
Format the Second Hard Drivethe cables.
Generally, you will want to re-format the second hardHow to Perform a Restore
drive after installation to remove any previouslyIn the unfortunate event that your computer
installed operating system and to remove anycrashes and you can't get it back by any other
previous file access rights. To format the drive,means, you'll need to reinstall Windows XP from the
select Start | Settings | Control Panel | AdministrationCD-ROM. (Automated System Recovery is not
Tools | Computer Management. In the "Computersupported in Windows XP Home Edition.) You'll need
Management" window, under "Storage", click on "Diskto re-install the Backup utility. Then you'll need to shut
Management".down the computer to install the data and power
Right click on the backup disk's drive letter. In thecables to the backup drive. Restart the computer
popup menu, select All Tasks | Format... In theand use the Backup Utility to restore Windows XP
Warning dialog box that appears, click on the "Yes"from the backup file.
button. In the "Format" dialog box, in the "FileWhen using this backup method, it's important to be
system" drop-down list, select NTFS. Click on thecareful not to break any pins when you are removing
"OK" button. Again, in the Warning dialog box thatand installing the data cable of the hard drive. And if
appears, click on the "Yes" button.your computer doesn't use "cable Select", don't
Install the Backup Utilityforget to change the jumper on the main hard drive
Windows XP Home Edition doesn't install the Backupback to "Single".
utility by default. You'll need to install it manually from