How to use the default Windows XP backup utility

While browsing on the internet in search for more Windows XP backup and repair utilities I have found out that sometimes I just have to look closer at what I have and use it to the full extend. I suppose, part of you knows of the default Windows XP backup utility and restore function (also known as automated system recovery) and if you don’t – read on.

As a network administrator, I have dealt with numerous PC problems and while most would simply require fixing minor operational system faults, sometimes the clean Windows XP install would save much time and trouble. And if you have recently made a complete PC backup using Windows system tools then recovery would be just a piece of cake. There are many Windows XP and Windows 7 backup programs, but using what you already have is just another way of dealing with a system trouble.

There are a few things you must have in mind though, if you are going to backup and restore Windows XP.

1. Windows XP backup software is installed by default only in XP professional version. If you’re using XP home, you won’t find it in your Windows system tools. You can still download Windows XP home backup utility or install if from the original XP home edition CD.
2. In case your Windows goes nuts and you want to use the automated system recovery (ASR) as a last resort (after all the other options have been exhausted), you must have a previously made hard drive files and settings backup. It only works when you have a backup to use. Besides, you should also have a floppy disk that you must have used at a particular backup step, and which will be used at a particular Windows ASR (automated system recovery) step.

Now let’s talk about the way to backup Windows XP.

1. In your Windows XP press: “Start” then “Accessories”, “System tools” and “Backup”.
The Windows XP backup and restore wizard will appear. Press next.

2. Choose the option “back up files and settings”. You don’t need to restore what you don’t have yet. Press next.

3.  In the question “what do you want to back up” choose all information on this computer. All your files, documents and settings will be saved in to a newly made system recovery disk. It will be used to restore Windows in case of a major malfunction.

4. New window will pop up asking to choose a place to save a Windows backup. Obviously it won’t fit into 1.44 Mb. floppy disk, so choose a place in your other logical drive (usually named by letters D, E, etc…), o anywhere else that can be accessed in case of a non recoverable Windows. Write a file name. It will be saved as a backup file type.

5. Press finish and the Windows XP system backup process will begin.

6. At some point you will be asked to insert a blank 1.44 formatted floppy disk into your floppy drive. It will be used as recovery information in the automated Windows recovery process.

7. The “backup is complete” message will appear once the process is finished. Just be sure to place your Windows XP backup file anywhere else, but your system disk, because it could be deleted in the automated system recovery process.