Backing up Windows XP Pro

[Roy]

I want to backup my data to a writable DVD player I just
purchased. I read in the on-line support that the Windows
backup utility does not recognize a CD-R or a DVD-R as a
valid writable storage device for reasons I can't
remember, something about the O/S not being able to
format the media. Anyway my question is this; if I were
to make a backup of C and store it as a file on drive D
can I then send it to my DVD and use it to restore my
system if the need should present itself or would restore
not recognize my DVD-R as a valid restore device? I guess
I could always wite the file back to D and go from there.
I just want to make sure I'm thinking about this the
right way or should I say the WRITE way.

 

[CS]

I want to backup my data to a writable DVD player I just
purchased. I read in the on-line support that the Windows
backup utility does not recognize a CD-R or a DVD-R as a
valid writable storage device for reasons I can't
remember, something about the O/S not being able to
format the media. Anyway my question is this; if I were
to make a backup of C and store it as a file on drive D
can I then send it to my DVD and use it to restore my
system if the need should present itself or would restore
not recognize my DVD-R as a valid restore device? I guess
I could always wite the file back to D and go from there.
I just want to make sure I'm thinking about this the
right way or should I say the WRITE way.

Consider using a backup program to write to your DVD writer. Usually
when you purchase a DVD writer, it comes with software to do just
that. Have you checked to see if your writer came with backup
software?

Also: Here's an excellent program you can use. "Image for Windows"
from www.terabyteunlimited.com

 

[Dave]

You could purchase Ghost from Symantec.
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal/
It basically takes a snapshot of your system and essentially makes a
recovery disk that will restore the system EXACTLY as it was when you imaged
it.
I use it all the time and it is GREAT! It also somes bundled with
SystemWorks 2003 Professional Edition (or 2004 is the newer version).
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/sysworks/pro/

Corporate enviroments use this program on a regular basis!

 

[Alex Nichol]

I want to backup my data to a writable DVD player I just
purchased. I read in the on-line support that the Windows
backup utility does not recognize a CD-R or a DVD-R as a
valid writable storage device for reasons I can't
remember, something about the O/S not being able to
format the media.

The inbuilt burning does not support use of a CD or DVD as output medium
from a program - you need support from a third party 'packet writing'
package like InCD (www.nero.com) or Direct CD/Drag to Disk
(www.roxio.com)

Also the NTBackup does not recognise such disks as being removable media
(it only deals in Tapes) so you would not be able to 'span' multiple
disks.

Better really to get a competent third party program like BackUpMyPC by
Veritas from www.stompinc.com which will deal with the drive for itself