Making backup copies manually

Depending on the version of Windows Vista you have, there are two approaches you can take to back up files: Automatic Backup, which backs up just your files and data; or Complete PC Backup, which backs up everything on your computer, including the operating system and applications.

To access the Backup and Restore Center:

1.	Click Start, and point to Control Panel.
2.	Click System and Maintenance and then click Back up your computer.

Windows Live OneCare Backup and Restore

Windows Live OneCare is a service from Microsoft that helps protect your computer and provides a built-in backup tool. Windows Live OneCare is currently in beta and is free to try.

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. For a more detailed step-by-step guide to using 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. You can also use separate backup software that you purchase online, at a store, or the

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

How to choose an external storage format for backup files

External storage refers to any data storage format that isn’t permanently fixed inside your computer, for example, hardware such as Zip or flash drives, CDs, or even a Web service. Types of external storage Whether you use the Windows XP Backup utility or some other backup software, you'll need a way to store your backup copies. If you can, use a storage system that is portable; one of the best ways to protect your backups is to store them in a different location than your computer. The following are some storage devices and locations to consider. Storage Type What It Is Pros Cons External drives A Zip drive is a disk drive that uses removable Zip disks to store hundreds of megabytes of data. • Includes backup software • Range of storage options • Portable • You must invest in the hardware, and in some cases, disks as well CD-RW* *You need a CD-RW drive to burn files onto CDs. A CD-RW is a compact disc onto which you can burn information if you have a CD-RW drive. (RW stands for "read-write.") • Many newer computers come with a built in CD-RW drive • CD-RW discs can hold up to 700MB • Portable • CD-RW discs can be used over again • Discs are relatively inexpensive • You need to buy a CD-RW drive if your computer doesn't come with one • It’s possible to accidentally write over data on your CD-RW disc and lose your backup files • Older CD players cannot read CD-RW discs DVD-RW* *You need a DVD-RW drive to burn files onto DVDs. A DVD-RW is a DVD onto which you can burn information if you have a DVD-RW drive. (RW stands for "read-write.") • Many newer computers come with a built in DVD-RW drive • DVD burners double as CD burners, offering more flexibility • One disc stores gigabytes of information • Portable • DVD-RW discs can be used over again • Discs are relatively inexpensive • You need to buy a DVD-RW drive if your computer doesn't come with one • The drive might not come with backup software • It’s possible to accidentally write over data on your DVD-RW disc and lose your backup files USB flash drive A USB flash drive is like a small hard drive, about 2-3 inches long, that plugs into your computer through a USB port. You can download information onto it for storage. • Portable • Can hold up to 2 gigabytes of data • Files can be saved, modified, or deleted as often as you want • Prices start relatively low as hardware prices go • USB flash drives, because of their size, are easy to misplace Online backup and storage An online storage service lets you save files online. If you have Internet access, you can get your files from the online storage site whenever you need them. • Stores your information out of the house or office • Includes download and backup software • Offers the potential for a larger amount of storage space than some other backup devices or locations • You might be required to pay a monthly fee for backing up and storing your files (prices vary according to each provider and service) • If the company's servers fail, you might not be able to access your files • If the company is hacked, your information could be stolen • If the company goes out of business, you lose your backup resource Tip: For backup on the go, look into the mini USB flash drives with big capacity that can fit on a key chain.