How to Perform a Backup on Windows XP

Last Updated: June 3, 2021

Considering the increased amounts of data that you save to your computer each day, more and more users embark on a quest for the most effective and reliable backup solution. However, very few know that Windows XP has its own backup utility.

Steps

1
To use the built in Windows XP backup tool, follow the instructions.
2
Click the Start button > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup.

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3
The Windows XP backup tool allows backing up all user files in just one task. If you select the option of the My Documents backup, it will copy the entire contents of the Documents and Settings folder including MS Outlook/Outlook Express messages and settings as well as your profile settings.
4
However, in most situations full backup is not necessary. In all likelihood the My Documents folder of your computer will be large in size and contain a lot of irrelevant information. If this is the case, Windows XP backup tool suggests that you manually specify files that you want to include or exclude from the backup set.
5
Lastly, don't forget to backup your Internet Explorer favourites from within IE. You can export them from the Menu.
6
And, for really important backups, nothing beats writing down names, phone numbers, email addresses and bank account details.

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Community Q&A

Question

Can we take a back up of drive? If yes, how?

NSA

Community Answer

If you're asking if you can backup personal documents, yes you can. Locate the Documents section within the File Explorer, highlight all of the files you want to backup by clicking and dragging or by pressing CTRL + A to select all of the files, and then drag and drop them onto the D:/ drive.

Warnings

Back ups should be stored on an external drive, not an internal hard drive. If the internal drive fails (and all drives eventually fail) you will lose your original files AND your backups.

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