How do I do a systems backup

[tom]

I'm on a WinXP PC and have been experiencing aborts
trying to connect to my ISP server for a while now. Today
the number of aborts experienced was aggravating enough
to call my ISP and complain. They said I have Blaster
worm, that I should have downloaded the patch from MS
long ago. Thought since I am MS update subscriber that
all patches would autoload to my system. So, I went out
to MS and downloaded it to my PC. The first line on the
screen before implementing the patch says "back up your
system." Well, I'm a total novice on all this, so I went
looking for system backup capability on WinXP. XP Help
does not have a systems backup...only system restore. I
don't want to restore, I need to backup so I can load
this patch. Can anyone tell me how to download systems
backup to my CR-R drive so I will have the data in case
the patch fouls up my data? Too, for those who run into
this wall in the future, anyone know how to get MS to
load reference to system backup in WinXP? Thanks, Tom

 

[Longhorn]

1. tom, you are CLUELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
now, that we got that out of the way:
2. Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools / Backup (some OEM
versions of XP don't come with NTBACKUP)
3. What media are you planning on backing up your system to? ...tapes,
another har-drive (local or another machine), DVD, etc?
4. Installing the patches won't fix the problem - it's after the fact. You
need to unplug the machine from the net and use a removal tool
(www.symantec.com - search for MSblast).
5. Install the patches.
6. Invest in AntiVirus software.
7. Invest in a Firewall.

 

[Tom]

Hello and thanks for your help. I'm clueless on lots of
stuff, but not so foolhearty as to ever go on-line
without my Nortons' Systemsworks operational and going
directly to them for live update before ever signing on
to Eudora or any browser. I don't put a floppy from
another computer into my machine...ever....and do not
allow anyone else to do that. I have no idea how blaster
got in, but that is where I am today. My ISP told me to
get the patch and then run the Norton remove. That's
where I am right now. As for the backup, it is still
inoperable...this is the current situation:

I've discovered that the backup does NOT install at
initial XP loading. It's on the disk, but you have to
stumble across that fact from someone other than MS. So,
I finally found it and loaded the backup function. Went
to do the advanced backup (save everything on my PC.) XP
wants me to do backup to floppies! so I select the "save
to a designated file." Selected E drive to write to CD-R
and the system came back..."E drive not accessible." The
E drive works fine otherwise, but not here. Anyone know
how to do XP backup and save the backup to the E/CD-R
drive? I note that the backup software forces me to the
desktop and that the E drive does not show up on my
desktop...don't know why it shows up on My Computer, but
not on Desktop. Could this be part of the problem? I
sure don't want to try to do backup to floppies. Thanks,
Tom

 

[Longhorn]

I'm guessing you're running Home Edition. On Pro NTBACKUP is installed by
default.
I don't think NTBACKUP can burn stuff straight onto CD. You may have to
backup to a file on your hard drive first and then use your CD burning
software to copy the file to CD.

 

[RickO'Shay]

Hi Tom,
Go to my computer/right click on C drive and choose properties/Tools nad
press the Backup button to start the Wizard.

Regards,

RickO'Shay.

 

[cato]

Hi Tom,
As usual you got generalities from the so called knowledgable people, they
are beating around the bush with a very few exeptions.

XP home and XP prof are different in backing up!

XP Home edition: You have to use your XP CD to proceed.

HOW TO: Install Backup from the CD-ROM in Windows XP Home Edition
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;302894

HOW TO: Use Backup to Restore Files and Folders on Your Computer in Windows
XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;309340#4

XP Professional: There is a wizzard in start/all
programs/accessories/system tools/backup

All HOW TO Articles
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/longlist.asp

MS Knowledgebase article:
308422 - HOW TO: Use Backup to Back Up Files and Folders on Your Computer in
Windows

Direct How To:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/security/backup.asp

Good luck.