using flash drives

[Guest]

I got a 2GB flash drive as a gift. I can drag/drop files to the drive
fine,read,etc.
I need to know how to upload program files that i downloaded to the drive.
More specifically, program files in the event that something happens to my
computer and i need to install all the OS. I do use CD's for back-up,but i'd
like to be able to use the flash drive in the same way.
Thanks. windows XP sp 2

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I got a 2GB flash drive as a gift. I can drag/drop files to the drive
fine,read,etc.
I need to know how to upload program files that i downloaded to the
drive. More specifically, program files in the event that something
happens to my computer and i need to install all the OS. I do use
CD's for back-up,but i'd like to be able to use the flash drive in
the same way.

When you say "upload," are you asking how to back up your application
programs to your thumb drive?

If so, you can *not* do that. All programs, except for a rare trivial one,
have many associated files and entries pointing to them within Windows, in
the registry and elsewhere. So if you reinstall Windows, you also have to
reinstall all your programs.

 

[Guest]

To download a program is to download a set of setup files, and run them.
Aside from saving your whole windows system files, and installed app files,
the only thing to do would be to save the setup files (and data) for the
apps. You might try the "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard" for the data.

 

[Guest]

Thank You both for informative information.

When you say "upload," are you asking how to back up your application
programs to your thumb drive?

If so, you can *not* do that. All programs, except for a rare trivial one,
have many associated files and entries pointing to them within Windows, in
the registry and elsewhere. So if you reinstall Windows, you also have to
reinstall all your programs.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thank You both for informative information.

You're welcome. Glad to help.