Office of Information Technology (OIT)

• Computers
• Accounts
• Services
• About OIT
• Policy
• Working Off-Campus

Information & Services for

• Students
• Faculty/Staff
• Departments

Windows XP Backup

System requirements: Windows

How to Use:

Store your important files in the My Documents folder.  The desktop should be treated just like your real desk top -- for things that don't matter if they are lost.

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.

1. Click on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and select Backup.
2. Click Next to skip past the opening page, choose Back up files and settings from the second page, and then click Next.
3. Select the My documents and settings option.
4. Choose to back up the data to an appropriately-sized external hard drive. A USB 2.0 drive is recommended.
5. Click Next.
6. Click Finish to end, or click Advanced to set a backup schedule (recommended).

In addition, Microsoft provides a training video and instructions for backing up data in Windows XP.

By setting a schedule, you can ensure that you are saving current versions of your data.