XP Backup using CD Burner

Unfortunately, the MS backup program that come with Windows XP does not allow you to backup to CD's or DVD's. You can use it to backup to a second hard drive if you have one, or to a partition on your hard drive. To back up to a CD etc. you need a backup software program such as Norton Ghost or one of the many others that are available (everyone seems to have their favorite).

Ken

Another option is depending on if you have - you can use Nero or Roxio to do "back up" to CD/RW - Or if all your files are in one place like "my documents" why not just mount a blank CD-RW and then simply drag the files over to the CD via explorer or do a copy and paste.. All depends of course what your back up needs are etc.

I been using the backup utility for years with no problems.   You have to format the CD in a special format that allows you to keep adding to it.  (I never do but it an option).  With Roxio 6.0 it called Drag-To-Disc utility that I use to format the CDR.   After formating it, I just startup XP backup and point the output of the backup to the newly formated disk.   Have to take care to to exceed the 700MB limit of the CD, since no provision to mulit CD backup exist using XP Backup.  

After the backup completes, I eject the CD.   At that point I have an option to leave disc as is or to write protect disc and convert to a standard format of ISO or another format forget what it is now.   I protect it and convert it to ISO.   (Making is ISO allows you to have the CD read on any PC with a CD) leaving it in the native format thea Drag-To-Disc uses will make it un-readable on systems without burners.    It works fine, I have restored a few times from the backup with no problems, biggest limitation is the size of the backup restricted to about 700MB.