Data Backup With Windows XP

I have written many posts about backing up your data, and also provided examples of what media you can use to store your backed up data. I haven't, however, gone into detail about how you go about backing up your files.

Windows XP is currently on of the most used operating systems. What many don't realize is that it includes a simple backup utility that can easily save your files to another location. While not as feature riched as a more pricey third-party application, for most people the Windows XP backup tool is adequate.

The following steps outline the process of backing up your data by using Windows XP's Backup tool.

1. To start the tool, click "Start->All Programs->Accessores->System Tools->Backup". The "Backup and Restore Wizard" should start, but if it doesn't, click "Tools->Backup Wizard".
2. Once the Wizard appears, click the "Next" button.
3. Click "Back up files and settings" when the "What do you want to do?" window appears on the screen.
4. You now have the option of choosing what to backup:
   
   • My documents and settings. This setting backs up all your documents and personal settings. This is the recommended option if you are new to backing up files.
   • Everyone's documents and settings. If the computer is access by more than one user, this setting will ensure all users' documents and settings are backed up.
   • All information on this computer. This setting produces the largest backup file since it backs up all the files on your computer. Unless you have a lot of disk space, I don't suggest using this setting.
   • Let me choose what to back up. This option allows you to select what you backup. If you are new to backing up files, I don't suggest you use this option.
5. After choosing what you would like to backup, you will then need to choose where to store you backup. Under "Choose a place to save your backup", you can specify where to store your files. The options include:
   
   • Local hard disk. If you have enough disk space, you can save your backups on your local hard drive. I don't recommend this option, however, as you can lose both the original data and the backups if your hard drive were to crash.
   • External hard disk. This option is a good one, but requires an external hard drive to be connected. External hard drives are cheap, compared to the storage space, so investing in one is a good idea.
   • USB Flash Drive. This one of the better options. The reason for this is becaues flash drives have become large enough to store your backed up data, and they can be transported easily due to their small size. This means that you can backup your data and then move it offsite to provide even more protection to your files.
   • A network share. Unless you have more than one computer at home, this option is not viable. If you have access to a server at work, however, this is a good place to store your files. Chances are the server also has a regular backup schedule, so your data is protected on the server as well.
6. Once you have chosen a location for you backup, you just need to enter a descriptive name for the backup file. After entering the name, click "Next" and then "Finish" to start the data backup.

By using the above steps you can easily backup your data on a Windows XP machine. No additional tools are necessary to keep your data safe and protected.