Backup problem

[ilyaz]

I have Win XP Home with SP2, and all updates. My eMachine has 7 drives (CD
reader, DVD writer, flash, etc.), but no 3.5 floppy. Usually, I backup My
Documents on an external drive.
Today, I wanted to run a manual Full Backup of "All Information on this
computer" (the 3rd option in backup wizard). During this backup a recovery
diskette should be created automatically. However, the wizard told me that
"The files for the recovery diskette could not be created. The operation was
aborted".
Why the files for the recovery diskette could not be created? And if these
files could not be created, why the backup itself would be aborted too?
Also, is there a way to put these files (if they are created) on a flash
drive? And a very general question: how to run a full backup of all
information on this computer?
Your assistance is appreciated.

 

[DL]

Most peoples use Imaging software for a 'full' backup
eg Ghost, Acronis True Image, but there are others

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I have Win XP Home with SP2, and all updates. My eMachine has 7 drives (CD
reader, DVD writer, flash, etc.), but no 3.5 floppy. Usually, I backup My
Documents on an external drive.
Today, I wanted to run a manual Full Backup of "All Information on this
computer" (the 3rd option in backup wizard). During this backup a recovery
diskette should be created automatically. However, the wizard told me that
"The files for the recovery diskette could not be created. The operation
was aborted".
Why the files for the recovery diskette could not be created? And if these
files could not be created, why the backup itself would be aborted too?
Also, is there a way to put these files (if they are created) on a flash
drive? And a very general question: how to run a full backup of all
information on this computer?
Your assistance is appreciated.

It depends on what you really want to back up.

If you truly want a full backup of all files in a usable form (i.e. a
restorable image you can use to create a new bootable drive should your
current drive fail), use an imaging program like Acronis True Image, Drive
Image, Ghost etc. This approach can take a remarkably short time.

Windows ntbackup cannot do this, and you'll wind up with a lot of drive
space occupied by useless files that took a long time to copy - if it didn't
fail.

If you want to back up your user data, first carefully define what it you
need to back up and locate it. XP by default helpfully stores a number of
valuable data items, like Outlook and Outlook Express mail files and Windows
Address Books, in hidden folders. Then create a backup set using a decent
backup program, for example Avantrix Backup Plus. Note that many programs
(like Outlook) must be closed to permit backup of their data files.

A good solution is to periodically create and verify bootable images of the
drive - say, after major installs and updates - and otherwise do backups of
the user data. Always store safety copies offsite, away from the
machines, and always verify that the backups are usable.

HTH
-pk

 

[ilyaz]

Patrick,
thanks for your detailed explanation. I appreciate it. Sure, I do regular
backups of My Documents. But this time, I wanted to do a full backup of All
Information on this computer, as it is listed in the backup wizard (option
3). At this point, I'm not questioning the advantages or disadvantages of
Windows full backup. I just wanted to know if it is possible. If it is, then
why I was unable to run it?
Do you have any suggestions?
Ilya

 

[Nepatsfan]

(e-mail address removed),

I have Win XP Home with SP2, and all updates. My eMachine
has 7 drives (CD reader, DVD writer, flash, etc.), but no
3.5 floppy. Usually, I backup My Documents on an external
drive. Today, I wanted to run a manual Full Backup of "All
Information on this computer" (the 3rd option in backup
wizard). During this backup a recovery diskette should be
created automatically. However, the wizard told me that "The
files for the recovery diskette could not be created. The
operation was aborted". Why the files for the recovery
diskette could not be
created? And if these files could not be created, why the
backup itself would be aborted too? Also, is there a way to
put these files (if they are created) on a flash drive? And
a very general question: how to run a full backup of all
information on this computer? Your assistance is appreciated.

The procedure you're trying to run is called Automated System
Recovery. Try running Backup from the Advanced Mode and you'll
see ASR listed at the bottom of the Welcome page. While it does
appear as an option in Home Edition, it will only run on
Windows XP Professional. Even with XP Pro, you'd need a floppy
drive.

Take a look at the this article for more info:

An Error Message Is Displayed When You Attempt to Use the
Automated System Recovery Wizard
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302700/EN-US/

If you've got any more questions on this topic, I suggest you
do a Google search for Automated System Recovery.

As has already been pointed out, while the Windows Backup
program is fine for backing up select files and folders, you'd
really need third party software to accomplish your goal.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[ilyaz]

Thanks, Nepatsfan, for directing me to the right article. It solved my
problem. I never knew, there is another option in the Backup wizard...
Run ASR for under 2 hours and got all 16 GB backed up.
Thanks again for your help.
Ilya

 

[Bernard W Joseph]

If you want to back up your user data, first carefully define what it you
need to back up and locate it. XP by default helpfully stores a number of
valuable data items, like Outlook and Outlook Express mail files and Win

What does _helpfully_ means? Well it's Microsoft's ides. It's not mine.
Except for the conservation of space on listing such as in Windows
Explorer, all files should be visible. If you goof them up, you'll only
do it once.

Bernard

 

[Nepatsfan]

Glad to hear you were able to create your backup file.

Have you tried restoring the files to an alternate location? A
backup isn't useful until you verify that it contains the files
you think it should and that you can restore those files.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

(e-mail address removed),

 

[ilyaz]

Yes, I restored a few files to an alternate location. Seems they are
working...
Thanks again!
Ilya