XP Pro Backup Wizard

I have just been installing Microsoft updates and it has started to install Service Pack 3. It suggests I back up my system before I continue. I know I should do this periodically anyway but I never get round to it. I have a slave hard drive that can be used for backups. I remember seeing in the XP guided tour something called "Backup Wizard" being used. I have this on my other Vista machine but can't find it on the XP Pro computer. I checked on the XP recovery CD to see if this was an option that had not been installed but I can't find it there either. How do I access this wizard?

 

The best backup you can get it a true CLONE of your C: drive.

Just backing up a few files won't get it!

Most people run into problems installing a Service pack because they don't do the recommended maintenance on the HD before they start.

Check Disk (chkdsk /r ) should be run on the drive first, to remove any disk errors. If any errors are detected on the first run, then do it again.

Then a full defrag should be done.

Finally, ALL running programs should be shut down before starting the install.
Many programs, suites, etc., tell you in plain English to do this before continuing the install.

Finally, with NO errors on the HD and all programs shut down, the Service Pack install "should" go off without a hitch.

If you have a spare drive that's not being used, , , that is equal to or greater in size than your C: drive, then a full drive clone would be your best bet for a backup.

FREE cloning programs are readily available from most drive manufacturers.
Like...."Sea Tools" from Seagate or "Max Blast" from Maxtor.

Both companies use the "Acronis True Image" software and both will make a bootable CD for you, from the programs installed on your HD.

I've used them both and they work very well indeed.....they also both work to clone or backup a Vista hard drive.
You must have at least ONE drive from the associated drive maker for their software to work.

For many years, since 1997, I've been using "Ghost" to backup my own C: drive to another drive, or to burn the image to a DVD, USB hard drive or USB Flash Drive. I won't even think about installing anything like a Service Pack without a fresh Backup Image stored safely away, just in case......

I always have a backup image file somewhere, not more than a week old, just in case I need it.


Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
Shadow :cool