Backing up files in WinXP home

On my old computer with Win98, I used to backup my files to a disk with the windows backup program.

I now have WinXP and can't get backup to work. I've read that you can't backup to CD with the the backup utility that comes with WinXP home. Is this true, and if it is can someone recommend a free program that I can backup and restore files with? I also have a laptop that I'd like to be able to transfer files to. Thanks for your help.

 

Just use XP backup to back up data to a file, then burn that file on a dvd/cd using a burning program like Nero.

 

TAPE BACKUP

jk... You could use something like Acronis disk image or something, if that's what you're looking for. I would use that right after a clean install with all your drivers and whatnot installed already. That means the next time your computer messes up you can just load the image right onto your hard drive and you won't have to go messing around with stuff.

They save a LOT of time.

 

Thanks!

If I use WinXP backup by copying the files, then burning them to CD, how does restore work? If I want to restore files and put the CD in do I use WinXP backup or the CD burning software to restore?

I want to be able to backup data files docs, spreadsheets, pictures to a CDRW. I would also like to be able to automatically restore those files if something happens and I have to re-install my programs.

I would also like to be able to update the docs, spreadsheets etc onto my laptop that has the same programs installed. That way if something goes wrong with the desktop, my laptop is up to date.

I'm not a techie, so I want this to be as painless and easy as possible. I don't need a full of bells and whistles program just something that can do what I indicated above. I've looked at the programs listed under backup software here, but there are so many. I'd appreciate any rec's you could give me.

 

Just copy the backup archives back to where they were, and use XP backup to restore them. Always use the same software to back up or restore.