How to use Backup to protect data and restore files and folders on your computer in Windows XP and Windows Vista

INTRODUCTION

This article contains information about how to use the Backup program in Windows XP and in Windows Vista to help protect data and restore files and folders on your computer.

The Backup utility in Windows XP and in Windows Vista helps you protect your data if your hard disk stops working or your files are accidentally erased. With Backup, you can create a copy of all the data on your hard disk, and then archive it on another storage device, such as a hard disk or a tape.

If the original data on your hard disk is accidentally erased, overwritten, or becomes inaccessible because of a hard disk malfunction, you can restore the data from the disk or the archived copy by using the Restore Wizard or the Automated System Recovery Wizard.

MORE INFORMATION

How to use Backup to protect data and restore files and folders

Note You must have administrative or backup operator credentials on your computer to back up and restore files and folders. Backup operators and administrators can back up and restore encrypted files and folders without decrypting the files or folders.

To make sure that you have the latest information about how to use the Backup program in Windows XP and in Windows Vista.

Windows XP Professional: Use the built-in Backup utility

If you use Windows XP Professional, you can use the built-in Backup utility to help you make copies of files, settings, or everything on your computer. You can even use the utility to back up certain files on a schedule that you specify. Here's how to start using the Backup utility:

1.	Click Start, and point to All Programs.
2.	Point to Accessories, and then point to System Tools.
3.	Click Backup.

If you've never used the Backup utility, the first screen you will see is the Backup or Restore Wizard welcome window. Click Next and follow the instructions on the wizard.

Windows XP Home Edition: Add the Backup utility

If you're using Windows XP Home Edition and you want to install the Backup utility, you must locate your original Windows XP CD first. Add the Backup utility manually to your computer from the CD by following these steps:

1.	Insert your Windows XP CD into the drive and, if necessary, in My Computer, double-click the CD icon to display the Welcome screen.
2.	On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform Additional Tasks.
3.	Click Browse this CD.
4.	In Windows Explorer, double-click the ValueAdd folder, then Msft, and then Ntbackup.
5.	Double-click Ntbackup.msi to install the Backup utility.

Note: If you bought a computer with Windows XP Home Edition and you don't have the original Windows XP CD, contact the computer's manufacturer or visit the manufacturer's Web site for more information.

Making backup copies manually

Regardless of what version of Windows you use, you can manually make a backup copy of any file or folder by following these steps:

1.	Right-click the file or folder that you want to back up, and then click Copy from the menu.
2.	Now, in My Computer, you can right-click the disk or external hard drive where you want to store the backup copy, and then click Paste from the menu.

That's it. After you've copied all the information you want to back up onto your chosen storage format, don't forget to keep it protected.