backing up files prior to sp2

[smokierana]

I printed off the document entitled "what to know before
you download and install windows xp sp2", I tried to work
out how to back up our files. On this document it stated
we needed to click start, point to all programs, point to
accessories, point to system tools and then click
backup. On our system tools list there is no backup
option, nor can I find the restore wizard. We have
windows xp 2002 home edition. Can you help?

 

[Phil]

The backup program is not installed on xp home by default. You have to add
it from the xp cd. I think it's called ntbackup.exe.

 

[Rock]

I printed off the document entitled "what to know before
you download and install windows xp sp2", I tried to work
out how to back up our files. On this document it stated
we needed to click start, point to all programs, point to
accessories, point to system tools and then click
backup. On our system tools list there is no backup
option, nor can I find the restore wizard. We have
windows xp 2002 home edition. Can you help?

Backup is not installed by default in XP home. If you have a windows
installation CD it's in the \ValueAdd\MSFT directory as ntbackup.msi.
If you don't have an installation CD the file can be downloaded from here:

http://www.onecomputerguy.com/software/ntbackup.msi

Note that the ASR function in NTbackup does not work in XP Home. After
creating the backup file burn it to CD or DVD using a 3rd party burning
program. There are many limitations to NTbackup. It's a legacy app
from Windows NT and designed to work with tape drives. Better for you
to spring for a good backup program. You need to backup your system
regularly anyway.

There are several options. One is a disk imaging program which creates
a compressed image of the whole drive. Then backups can be done of the
whole drive of of individual files or folders. They are fast, reliable
and easy to use. They will create images on CD or DVD or external
drives. Make sure the program you choose supports the CD/DVD/External
device you have. If it doesn't you can still create the image, then
later burn the image to CD or DVD. Examples are:

Symantec Drive Image
Norton Ghost
Acronis True Image
BootIt NG

All are quite good. There are also more traditional backup programs
like Stomp, Inc's Backup MyPC which is excellent.

Whatever option you choose make sure you test it out to ensure it works
and you know how to use it.

 

[Blair]

Backup is not installed by default in XP home. If you have a windows
installation CD it's in the \ValueAdd\MSFT directory as ntbackup.msi.
If you don't have an installation CD the file can be downloaded from here:

http://www.onecomputerguy.com/software/ntbackup.msi

Note that the ASR function in NTbackup does not work in XP Home. After
creating the backup file burn it to CD or DVD using a 3rd party burning
program. There are many limitations to NTbackup. It's a legacy app
from Windows NT and designed to work with tape drives. Better for you
to spring for a good backup program. You need to backup your system
regularly anyway.

There are several options. One is a disk imaging program which creates
a compressed image of the whole drive. Then backups can be done of the
whole drive of of individual files or folders. They are fast, reliable
and easy to use. They will create images on CD or DVD or external
drives. Make sure the program you choose supports the CD/DVD/External
device you have. If it doesn't you can still create the image, then
later burn the image to CD or DVD. Examples are:

Symantec Drive Image
Norton Ghost
Acronis True Image
BootIt NG

All are quite good. There are also more traditional backup programs
like Stomp, Inc's Backup MyPC which is excellent.

Whatever option you choose make sure you test it out to ensure it works
and you know how to use it.

I would strongly recommend Acronis True Image. It is the best and is the
easiest to use.
Blair