viewing backed up files

[Guest]

Hello. I'm using Windows XP Pro, and I can't seem to find info on this. If I
use the Windows XP backup feature, will I be able to go to the backup volume
and browse through all the files and directories that are currently on my PC,
or will it just have one big backup file that I can only view and work with
using the backup utility?

Basically, I have my HD partitioned into 3 sections: Win XP, files, and
programs. I'm trying to decide whether it would be better to use the backup
utility to backup the files and programs partitions on my PC before I
reformat the disk & reinstall XP, or if I would be better off copying all of
the files from volumes that I want to keep and then copying them back to my
PC after reinstalling XP. The issue I'm having is that I may not be copying
everything back over once I've finished reformatting. I'm guessing I will
probably need to reinstall programs due to registry issues and the fact that
I will be changing the drive letters of the HD partitions.

Please let me know what you can about this.

Thank you,

Mike

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

Hello. I'm using Windows XP Pro, and I can't seem to find info on this. If I
use the Windows XP backup feature, will I be able to go to the backup
volume and browse through all the files and directories that are currently
on my PC, or will it just have one big backup file that I can only view and
work with using the backup utility?

I've never used the included backup utility, but I think I'm safe in
saying that browsing the file will be impossible.

If you REALLY want to do good backups, and have the ability to browse
and/or selectively backup specific files/directories, you need a
program that you will have to pay for.

Acronis True Image is my choice. I've used Ghost... abandoned it in
favor of ATI.

 

[Guest]

Is there someone who has used the Win XP backup utility that can answer my
question? I can't afford any new software right now. I just need to know if I
should use XP backup, or if I should just copy over the files I want to save.
If Win XP backup won't result in something that will allow me to go through
the folders & files as I normally would in explorer to retrieve what I want
after reformatting, I need to know before wasting a day or so backing
everything up, then having to delete some huge backup file from the drive,
and then copying everything over as I was originally planning to do.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

Is there someone who has used the Win XP backup utility that can answer my
question? I can't afford any new software right now.

Bite the bullet mofo. I gave you an answer.

 

[Mistoffolees]

Is there someone who has used the Win XP backup utility that can answer my
question? I can't afford any new software right now. I just need to know if I
should use XP backup, or if I should just copy over the files I want to save.
If Win XP backup won't result in something that will allow me to go through
the folders & files as I normally would in explorer to retrieve what I want
after reformatting, I need to know before wasting a day or so backing
everything up, then having to delete some huge backup file from the drive,
and then copying everything over as I was originally planning to do.

Thanks,
Mike

The best way to backup files and still have them readily accessible
is to copy them uncompressed to media being used as backups. And this
includes CD-R's, DVD+/-R's, external USB HD's, etc. And note the use
of the word "backups" in the plural. Ideally, 2 different media. And
for a final protection copy, a compressed backup, as in *.zip files,
TrueImage, Ghost, etc.

 

[Gary Walker]

I use the XP backup all the time, and to a much lesser
degree, the restore.

You will not be able point an explorer session at the/any
backup file(*.bkf) and browse through the various direc-
tories/files comprising the full image.

But, of course, that's what the restore is for. And using
the restore, you can wade though all the components of
the backup right down to the file level. At that point, you
have the option of restoration of those items selected, or
you can simply exit.

But, you will not be able to edit/view members in an eff-
ort to decide on restoration/exit.

If I understand your question(s) correctly, it seems that
you want to spool off the entire OS/user data, and then
reinstall the OS, and restore your user data.

Personally, I would probably simply run the whole C:
drive(or whatever) out to auxiliary storage(I'm assuming
an external HDD), and then use that mirror image for
the final restore requirement. Of course, you can signif-
icantly reduce your mirror image creation times by just
selecting only your user data.

Gary