First off, I'm not very good with computers so could you make any response
computer-illiterate-friendly!
Right, I've been reading up about the sp2 upgrade and some of the many
problems people have encountered. The advice seems to be to make a backup of
everything before you start.
But what exactly do I need to backup? I have a backup disc supplied by Tiny
(whom I bought the PC from) but am I right in assuming this is for XP only?
If it is, what about the software that was pre-installed? I have no backup
for these.
So how do I create a backup disc? Is it just a case of copying the program
files folders to CD or is there more to it? The stuff on the PC could take up
around 15 CDs!!!
Many thanks in advance,
Justin
At the very least, create copies of any personal files that you do not want
to lose and write those copies to other media (CDR, for example).
Let's leave SP2 out of the picture for the moment.
For any computer system that comes with an operating system and software
pre-installed, you need to know what method the manufacturer (OEM) has
provided for restoring and recovery: a set of CDs, a special partition on
the hard drive or whatever other option your OEM may have implemented.
You also need to locate directions that explain how to use the provided
media. And you need to know any "codes" that each software package might
ask for during installation. Example: The product key for Windows XP is
printed on a sticker and that sticker is usually stuck onto the PC case
somewhere. Check the manuals that came with the system or documentation
online at the manufacturer's website for details.
Having this much on hand and figured out gives you the "base" for your
system. A point - "as shipped" - that can always be returned to if need be.
The above only addresses operating system and software. Another important
point to consider is the something that the OEM provided media cannot
cover: your personal data files.
It's possible that your system has had: software added or updated; drivers
updated; new hardware installed. These are system changes that would not be
covered by the OEM provided disks. New software will have its own install
media (a disk or a downloaded install file). Most new hardware purchases
include a driver disk in the box. Items that have been downloaded, you
could download again or copy the downloads to other media.
Choose a backup method: The method could be as simple as a straight copy of
selected files. Or something as fancy as a dedicated backup program or a
disk imaging program. In case of disastrous hardware failure, it is
recommended that the backup set is located off of the main system (CDs,
DVDs, an external hard drive, a zip disk, etc). Some folks will go an extra
step and store a backup set off the premises.
An imaging program is especially nice if the system has had a lot of
additions. You can restore an image in minutes vs. the hours of
reinstalling everything. On the other hand, image software could be
considered overkill on a system that has changed very little since it was
purchased. Simple "copy" or a backup program would probably be a better
solution here.
