XP Backup processing???

Question

Does XP have a backup utility in system tools? I just got a laptop for my son for Christmas and wanted to do a complete disk backup and can't find any backup apps. If not, can a backup utility be recommeded that's free or not very expensive that operates like a simple cut and paste? And, can be used to backup to cd/dvd? Thanks folks.

jimtnc · Answer

....also, I have an MSBackup utility (Seagate product) on my WinME box that works fine. Could I copy that to my notebook and use it just like another app? I takes a little while to backup (I used it yesterday on the WinME) but it works good.

jimtnc · Answer

....ooops, sorry. Please disregard Message Edited by jimtnc on 11-26-2005 09:52 AM

tgsmith · Answer

Jimtnc, Yes. All versions of of XP have a backup.  Unfortunately, for some strange reason, Microsoft chose not to automatically install the backup program with Windows XP Home Edition.  However, the program is ntbackup.exe and is found on you Windows XP Home Edition CD in:  Valueadd\msft
tbackup
tbackup.msi Right click on this file. Left click on install.  The program will show up as Backup in: Programs|Accessories|System Tools| Unless Microsoft has changed NTBACKUP you cannot do a selective restore of files with NTBACKUP; i.e., restore only your *.doc files. If you have a recordable CD or DVD drive you can COPY and paste to CD or DVD rewritable discs  with Windows XP.  NOTE: DO NOT CUT AND PASTE.  Doing so will REMOVE the file(s) from the source location. MSBACKUP does not work with XP and should not be loaded.  And, as you probably have already figured out, it is not compatible with NTBACKUP. In other words, you cannot backup your WinME documents with MSBACKUP and restore them with NTBACKUP.  A good program for this is BackupMyPC.  Don't have the link handy, so just key it in your search bar and you'll find it. Tony Message Edited by tgsmith on 11-26-2005 03:33 PM

jimtnc · Answer

tgsmith  - Thanks so much for your input. Very clearly written. This question was posted with a dual purpose regarding my ME box and my son's new (Christmas gift - getting it loaded with the right apps) laptop with XP.   I can't remember which one it was, but I have MSBackup on my ME, and I'm not sure the process worked properly on my box, meaning I'm not sure I can restore with it and wouldn't know how to test it. I also read something about NTBackup not working properly on notebooks w/XP At Home for some reason (I can't remember just now). Is there anything to these issues?  Thanks.

tgsmith · Answer

jimtnc,

A search of Dell regarding ntbackup problems finds just such a post on the Inspiron Forum. Why the post is there is beyond me since the Dell system to which the post refers is actually a Dell PowerVault server. Since I normally do my Inspiron backups on recordable CDs and DVDs with CD burning software, I have not had such a problem. May give it a try just to see if I get any errors.

If you decide to test an MSBackup restore on your Windows Me, be sure to redirect the restore to a shared folder mapped as a logical drive. Otherwise you run the risk of overwriting your current program and data files.

Tony

jimtnc · Answer

Just how would I need to do that? I have a 2 PC house network that is setup to share remote folders, but not quite sure what I should do.  I also have a remote Maxtor harddrive that I could use.

tgsmith · Answer

If you have no critical data on the remote (external?) Maxtor use it, since it already has a drive letter assigned.  Easier that creating a shared folder then mapping that folder as a logical drive.   When you start MSbackup. Select Restore. Select the Source Media (backup CD). When prompted for Destination select the Maxtor.  If you are asked to overwrite existing files say no if there is any chance you have the same subdirectories and files on the Maxtor.

jimtnc · Answer

Tony -

A little history on the Maxtor. I split the 100gb in half so I could backup the ME and the XP on the same external drive because ME has Fat32 and XP doesn't. I'm not sure what drive letters it's reading, but I've partitioned both PC boxes into 3 partitions...C, D and E drives. I'll have to recheck, but I think when I backed up the PC I just did a straight copy of D and E to the respective Maxtor area instead of using a backup utility. I remember it taking a long time, but I'll check tonight...if these storms don't keep me away from the PC (I'm at work now). Thanks.

Message Edited by jimtnc on 11-29-2005 05:48 AM

Windows General

XP Backup processing???

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