Any PC drug user who has n’t been shroud under a rock knows the importance of making backup copy of critical system and datum data file . But many multitude may not realize that Windows XP and 2000 have several built - in backup selection . These tips will aid you devise a perfect Windows backup strategy .

Option # 1 : Last Good Configuration : Every time you shut down your system , Windows makes a support of sealed Registry and driver context ( specifically , those in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSet ) . If thing go awry and you ca n’t start Windows ( or you merely have second idea about a new graphics number one wood you ’ve just set up ) , you may restore your machine to its former province by weightlift < F8 > just before Windows start . employ the arrow key to selectLast Known Good Configuration , and press < Enter > . ( If you have already restart Windows with hardware scope you do n’t need , this proficiency wo n’t work because the system salt away the information from those drivers in its substitute when you most recently leave Windows . )

Option # 2 : equipment Driver Rollback : Windows XP mechanically bet on up your previous equipment drivers when you update them . you’re able to restore a equipment to the way it was in happier times by reverting to this backup when a raw number one wood causes problems . ChooseStart , Run , typedevmgmt.msc , and crush < accede > to open gadget Manager . Double - dawn the equipment whose driver you require to reestablish to open its Properties dialogue box . come home theDrivertab and selectRoll Back Driver(seeFigure 1Figure 1 : Bad number one wood ? Roll back to where you once belong with Windows ’ Roll Back Driver feature . ) .

selection # 3 : System Restore : A good way to back up system options , gadget driver , and decisive organisation files in XP is by using System Restore , which can back up your configuration automatically on a defined schedule if you allocate sufficient warehousing to it . Use it to make backups ( which it refers to as “ touch on point ” ) prior to making any system change ( Windows make a raw restore degree automatically whenever you install new software . ) ChooseStart , Programs(orAll Programs ) , Accessories , System Tools , System Restore . Then selectCreate a restore pointand follow the prompt . System Restore does n’t affect your information , nor does it work every time , so do n’t count on it as your only protection .

choice # 4 : Hardware Profiles : You might find these useful when test novel ironware or machine drivers . ChooseStart , Run , typesysdm.cpl , and press < Enter > . Click theHardwaretab and then theHardware Profilesbutton . Select your current profile — or the visibility that you want to back up — from the list , and clickCopy . Name it something likeTest Profileand press < Enter > . Choose the startup configurations you prefer under ‘ ironware profile excerption ’ , and clickOK . When you restart the PC , chooseTest Profile(or whatever you name the profile ) . If your experiment make Windows unusable , choose your original profile at the startup prompting ; you may ask to change your hardware back , too . If you wish the new conformation , return to the Hardware Profiles dialogue loge and either delete the old default profile or make the new one your default .

selection # 5 : Windows ’ Backup Utility : To back up your filing cabinet manually in XP and 2000 , chooseStart , Programs(orAll Programs ) , appurtenance , System Tools , Backup . Users of XP Home Edition can deploy the program from the Windows CD : Look for it in the valueaddmsftntbackup booklet , aright - click theNtbackupfile , and chooseInstall . Be forewarned , however , that the utility ’s Automated System Recovery feature does n’t work in XP Home .

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