how to make a backup copy

Question

I have a dell inspiron laptop with no floppy, just cd/dvd burner.

I have windows xp media 2005 as the o.s. installed on it.

I tried to make a backup copy using the backup copy portion of this software, but then it mentions I have to have a "floppy" because in addition to making a copy of whatever files I want, it says it puts some information on a floppy disc.

so how do I use this backup utility if I don't have a floppy disc. nor do I plan on purchasing an external floppy disc

so is there another way to use this utility without purchasing an external floppy, perhaps using one of those usb memory sticks?
thanks,

bruce

europa303 · Answer

You're trying to make a backup copy of what? If it's just files or data, you can certainly use a 'memory stick' or a cd if you have a recordable cd drive.

europa303 · Answer

You can also just use explorer to copy and paste data files to the cd or stick, but this will not work if you're trying to do a full backup of your entire hard drive, including programs.

Denny Denham · Answer

brucewaynem, I take it you are using Microsoft Backup which will not write to a CD. To make a backup in that case write the backup to a file on your hard disk, then write that file to CD.

brucewaynem · Answer

Hi,

I'm trying to make a backup copy of my whole hard drive if it's possible with windows xp media 2005's backup utility that came with my laptop.

but when I tried to use it, I get a message saying that I'll also need a floppy disc in addition to the other media that I'll make a backup copy to. I was going to save the back up to a cd/dvd, but like I said, I get a message saying I also need a floppy for addition info.

apparently this info has to be stored on a floppy, because the message specifically mentions a floppy.

so I wanted to know If I need a floppy or could I use a usb memory stick in lieu of the floppy?

thanks,

bruce

brucewaynem · Answer

no, it's not my 1st computer. I was just experimenting with the windows xp media 2005 edition because I found out that it has the backup on it. on my pc computers, I have windows xp home edition which does not have the back up utility, well actually I would have to extract it from the cd, but it won't work with the, I believe it's called, ASR.   well anyways, when I found out that my laptop has this particular o.s. on it, I wanted to see if I could get the backup to work, that's when I got a message that said in addition to saving the files you want to copy(and it gives a choice where I can  save it to), it also mentions that one would need a floppy because there is additional info. that will be saved on a floppy. so I was wondering if instead of the floppy(since I don't have one on my laptop), would I be able to save it on say a usb memory stick?   I guess windows xp media 2005 edition works like windows xp pro, where the backup utility is already on the computer once the o.s. is installed.   thanks, bruce

Windows General

how to make a backup copy

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