help with installation of sp2-backing up PC

[Azy]

Ok, WHile most people here have already installed (sp2 ), I think that I am
going to attempt it within the next day or so. I have the installation cd.

-my pc will be as spyware and virus free as possible prior to doing this.
(it pretty much is, anyways)
what I need help with is this: making a backup (the kind that everyone
suggests in the event of problems)
questions: WHat kind of back up are you all taking about. backing up my
system? folders & files? registry? do I need a special program or can I use
one that windows XP already has installed on my pc already.
How does one do this kind of backups. do I copy stuff to a cd-rom? or copy
backup to the pc?
I have spybot search and destroy. can I use rely on the backup/restore point
that it makes before removing spyware to do the job.
Or do I simply do a restore point. I know that my pc automatically sets
restore points unless I delete them or turn 'off system restore'. How, can I
check to see that there is a restore point there (for ex: yesterday has a
R.point)
I have ready lots of stuff in the past. kind of scary for a 3 yr. only
experienced pc person as my self. if someone has the time to answer these
questions and add anything else, I'd appreciate it. thanks in advance

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

What I would *suggest* is the following:

Personal files and data that are important to you should be copied to CD/DVD
or other removable media. If something goes horribly wrong (it doesn't
usually, but there can be extremes), then all is not lost.

Create a FAST file. Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, export the
current system stasis to a file, preferably on another hard drive or volume.
If you have to wipe and start clean, you will be able to import this and get
back most of what you started with. Read up on FAST:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

You do not need to set a restore point, SP2 setup will do that and also will
remove the other remaining points. This is normal. Make sure your antivirus
software is disabled, shut down any other running program, then proceed with
setup. Do not do anything else with the system while setup runs, just leave
it be.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Blair]

Ricks suggestions are fine and I don't disagree with him but I prefer to use
a dedicated backup system and I use Acronis True image which backs up your
whole PC including your own data.
I backup my own data every month and the whole system approx. every 6 months
unless I have had a lot of new software installed.
I backup to my old PC which I have networked to my new PC. In addition I
copy the backup to a CD
Blair

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Nothing like imaging, I use it myself (though not Acronis). My suggestions
were for basic safeguarding without spending additional money.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org