Topic: Data Backup

[Clive]

What's the best way to back up all the files on a PC?  Is there a good programme available or are there any hardware devices which could be worthwhile?

[Tony]

when you say data/files Clive, do you mean data you have inputed on the PC? if the answerto that question is yes, and if all such data is in "My Docs" just burn it to a CD.

Look, if your going for a reinstall, why not also create a new "Clive's Data" partition. Then just copy/paste. Check you have copied it all, then reformat C:Drive and reinstall XP on to it. That way "Your Data" is safe and accesible.

Partition Magic and Drive Image are fine programmes, I'm always using them.

[Simon]

XP has it's own back up utility, Clive, which you can find in Start > All Programs > Accessories  > System Tools, however, it doesn't come installed by default on the Home edition, so you'll have to install it from the XP CD.

The easiest way I have found is just to put everything I need to save onto CDs, including most of My Documents, E-Mails, Address Books, Bookmarks / Favorites, etc.  The trickiest thing is usually e-mails, so I'll try to find out what you do with Outlook, but I expect someone will beat me to it!

[Simon]

Back Up and Restore Outlook Express.

Back Up and Restore Outlook.

Hope that helps!  

[Clive]

That's great news guys.  Don't worry about e-mails.  I know how to do that.  

[DJ]

I use outlook and it has a handy backup utility. This basically makes a backup copy of the .pst file (which holds all emails, contacts etc) and places it wherever you say.  You can even let it remind you to backup every so often.

It should be on the File menu, then Backup.  If its not there you can download it from Micorsoft at

http://tinyurl.com/oh4l

Hope that helps  

DJ.

[Clive]

 Very quick Simon!

[Simon]

Can we assume you're taking the plunge, then?  

[Clive]

I'm going to back everything up in readiness Simon.  I really should get this sorted out once and for all shouldn't I?

[DJ]

XP has it's own back up utility, ...... so you'll have to install it from the XP CD.

Can you let me know how I install this. I had WinXP Home preinstalled so I only have the restore discs and not a full copy of WinXP.

Is it possible to install it from these or could I download it from elsewhere.

Cheers

DJ

[Simon]

I think you might need a full XP installation CD, DJ, but if it is on the recovery disc, it should be located at D:\Valueadd\msft\ntbackup where D: is the letter of your CD drive.

Check your mail, DJ.  

[DJ]

Thanks for the advice.

I haven't looked on my restore CD yet, will do it tomorrow.

You've Got Mail Simon  

DJ

[Michelle]

Back Up and Restore Outlook Express.

Back Up and Restore Outlook.

Hope that helps!  

Thats handy to have thanks Simon !