Backup for pre-installed XP Home Edition

[Jim]

I just bought a computer with XP Home edition pre-installed (Pro was not an
option for this model). Backup was not installed and all I have is a DVD
that will restore the hard disk to installation state---The Backup install
files are not on the DVD. The store tech told me I
have to get it from Microsoft, but I can't find it on their site. The
manufacturer's site is useless.

How do I get the backup utility?

I would have thought that the manufacturer would have to provide at least
the capability to install extra stuff that comes on the install disk, or the
dealer would have to inform customers that they are not getting a complete
version of XP Home, to the extent that optional installs on the install disk
are not installed nor provided. I also would have thought that Microsoft
would be willing to fix this by providing the Backup install files for
download under the assumption that nobody who doesn't buy their product can
use these files anyway.

I can't believe that Microsoft would allow someone to distribute a version
of their product that does not provide the Backup utility that ships with
that product!

Help?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Installing the Backup Program on the Home Version
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windowsxp_tips.htm#backup_home

HOW TO: Use Backup to Back Up Files and Folders on Your Computer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308422&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

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:

| I just bought a computer with XP Home edition pre-installed (Pro was not an
| option for this model). Backup was not installed and all I have is a DVD
| that will restore the hard disk to installation state---The Backup install
| files are not on the DVD. The store tech told me I
| have to get it from Microsoft, but I can't find it on their site. The
| manufacturer's site is useless.
|
| How do I get the backup utility?
|
| I would have thought that the manufacturer would have to provide at least
| the capability to install extra stuff that comes on the install disk, or the
| dealer would have to inform customers that they are not getting a complete
| version of XP Home, to the extent that optional installs on the install disk
| are not installed nor provided. I also would have thought that Microsoft
| would be willing to fix this by providing the Backup install files for
| download under the assumption that nobody who doesn't buy their product can
| use these files anyway.
|
| I can't believe that Microsoft would allow someone to distribute a version
| of their product that does not provide the Backup utility that ships with
| that product!
|
| Help?

 

[CS]

I just bought a computer with XP Home edition pre-installed (Pro was not an
option for this model). Backup was not installed and all I have is a DVD
that will restore the hard disk to installation state---The Backup install
files are not on the DVD. The store tech told me I
have to get it from Microsoft, but I can't find it on their site. The
manufacturer's site is useless.

How do I get the backup utility?

I would have thought that the manufacturer would have to provide at least
the capability to install extra stuff that comes on the install disk, or the
dealer would have to inform customers that they are not getting a complete
version of XP Home, to the extent that optional installs on the install disk
are not installed nor provided. I also would have thought that Microsoft
would be willing to fix this by providing the Backup install files for
download under the assumption that nobody who doesn't buy their product can
use these files anyway.

I can't believe that Microsoft would allow someone to distribute a version
of their product that does not provide the Backup utility that ships with
that product!

Help?

Hi Jim:

You can download "ntbackup.msi" from here:

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

Just double click on the "ntbackup.msi" file and it will install on
your XP Home edition. Now, having said that, I strongly recommend
you consider purchasing a good backup program. The XP backup program
is limited in what it can do and will not span media or write directly
to DVD or CD.

I recommend you consider a backup program that creates an image of
your entire hard drive. Take a look at:

Ghost or Drive Image www.symantec.com

Image for Windows www.terabyteunlimited.com

True Image www.acronis.com

Any of the above is much superior to the "ntbackup" program.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I just bought a computer with XP Home edition pre-installed (Pro was not an
option for this model). Backup was not installed and all I have is a DVD
that will restore the hard disk to installation state---The Backup install
files are not on the DVD. The store tech told me I
have to get it from Microsoft, but I can't find it on their site. The
manufacturer's site is useless.

How do I get the backup utility?

I would have thought that the manufacturer would have to provide at least
the capability to install extra stuff that comes on the install disk, or the
dealer would have to inform customers that they are not getting a complete
version of XP Home, to the extent that optional installs on the install disk
are not installed nor provided.

The backup that comes with Pro is really only suitable for Tape backup,
OEM makers are not required to provide it with Home, and on the whole I
think are probably wise not to. It was I think provided for people
coming forward from NT to Pro with existing tape systems. In particular
it does not handle backup to CD. Really you need an independent image
backup to CD or DVD that will allow you to back up and restore the
system as you have it set up; eg Ghost, Drive Image, Acronis or I use
Image for Windows. Then a separate means of backing up data, just how
elaborate that is depending on your needs