Windows XP Backup Software

[anonalchemist]

Hello, I'm pretty technologically illeterate and I'm trying to find software that is able to backup my Windows XP computer in case my current hard drive fails. What I'm looking for is something I can put in a new hard drive that can install the OS, installed programs and other files (or is there no such thing?). Or is there something that can install my previously installed programs and other work files, provided that I have an OS installed (I think I still have my XP CD-Rom somewhere out back). Also, the backup files themselves can be stored where? Is a USB stick suitable, or even on another computer? Can someone point me into the right direction into what key words I'm looking for in backup software (I see all these different options about backup recovery, emergency recovery...etc and I don't know the functions/differences), or is there a built in function in XP that can achiveve this. Any help is appreciated! Thanks.

*My apologies if this is posted in the wrong section of the forums.

 

[ksiemb]

Hello, I'm pretty technologically illeterate and I'm trying to find software that is able to backup my Windows XP computer in case my current hard drive fails. What I'm looking for is something I can put in a new hard drive that can install the OS, installed programs and other files (or is there no such thing?). Or is there something that can install my previously installed programs and other work files, provided that I have an OS installed (I think I still have my XP CD-Rom somewhere out back). Also, the backup files themselves can be stored where? Is a USB stick suitable, or even on another computer? Can someone point me into the right direction into what key words I'm looking for in backup software (I see all these different options about backup recovery, emergency recovery...etc and I don't know the functions/differences), or is there a built in function in XP that can achiveve this. Any help is appreciated! Thanks.

*My apologies if this is posted in the wrong section of the forums.

Xp has a built in backup / restore. In XP/Pro it is in System Tools. In XP Home Edition, it is not installed by default, but you can install it. Read this article thoroughly !!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_backup.htm
Personally there are better options (freeware available) Backup and restore your COMPLETE hard drive - Macrium Reflect.
http://download.cnet.com/Macrium-Reflect-Free/3000-2242_4-10845728.html

 

[mrfatbox]

i tend to use the Paragon software not used the free one but here it is good
http://www.paragon-software.com/free/

 

[Hawkeye22]

I use Acronis true image Home 2012. I've been using true image since 2006 and it works great. I never use it's secure zone feature though because I don't like programs messing with my partition tables.

A good backup program will allow you to create a bootable rescue disk so even if the drive dies, you can bott of the rescue CD and have the full capability to restore your system. I usually backup to an external hard drive, but you can backup to most any device that can hold all your data.

http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

 

[Joe Baltake]

I used Praetorian Guard for monitoring but it can do backups as well. Some of my friends use it mostly for backup. Their PCs are running on Win 7 and Windows XP. The backup allows you to do all of the scheduling from one location.

http://www.praetorianguard.net/Server-PC-Backups.aspx