Backing Up Data on Windows XP

DonGotti

Please help an ignoramus! How do I back up all the data on my hard drive in case in the future my computer has problems and i lose data?

Thanks

albertross_2

Norton Ghost or Acronis Trueimage + either a Few DVDs or an external hard disk. There is a backup sticky thread at the top of the page.

DonGotti

Would Windows System Restore be sufficient or is there a built in tool I could use? I'm skint at the mo!

albertross_2

System restore can get you out of trouble if your system files are corrupt, but no good if your hard disk dies, and doesn't backup your data. The software costs between £15-30, well worth it imo - but you'll only find that out when your PC gets a virus or won't bootup..

There are free alternatives..Windows backup or driveimagexml etc, but ghosting to DVD is a more secure solution.

DonGotti

Just noticed I have something called NTI Backup Now! 3...would that suffice? Also where do I access Windows backup from?

Rex_Mundi

If it's only data you need to back up (not programs). You won't need any software as long as you have a DVD (or CD) burner (including the software that comes with it). Just write what you want to disc as a data disc. If it is really important, make more than one copy, and verify the discs before you finish. A USB key could do the same job (you can pick these up very cheaply now).

Also remember that your backups are only as good as the last time you did them. For crucial stuff, this can mean doing it a few times a day, certainly every time you finish updating the file.

The way to consider how important data is...........

If I shut the computer down now, and it NEVER started again. How much do I need the stuff on there? If it's very important to you, get a copy of it off the computer now.

DonGotti

Thanks. I am actually looking to back up programs etc.

Rex_Mundi

DonGotti wrote:

Thanks. I am actually looking to back up programs etc.

This is more of a problem. When you install a program, it installs bits and pieces all over your computer (without getting technical). You can't just copy the program. It won't run properly (it won't find all the bits it needs).

You either need to use something like Ghost to copy your whole hard drive, or you need to copy the install part of the program, and keep a note of the registration keys.

albertross_2

http://data-backup-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

You can backup files and programs (in use) with any XP backup product that supports volume shadow copying, a disk imaging solution is the best option in my opinion, because if you have a problem, you can boot from the backup DVD, and restore the whole system including Windows in minutes. The alternative is to first of all install Windows, then Patch it, then restore from backup, or reinstall all the applications and configure them again.

The program you have already can backup files and programs, but doesn't do the disk imaging, so better than nothing.