How to Do a Full Backup of XP Pro
- 1). Plug your external hard drive into the USB port on your computer to connect the device. You don't have to use an external hard drive to back up Windows XP Pro. If you want to back up your hard drive to a disk, you can skip to Step 4.
- 2). Insert the software CD that came with the external hard drive. This CD will download all the needed drivers for the device to properly sync with your PC. Some external hard drives are "plug and play," which means they don't come with a software CD because all software is stored on the device itself. Once you plug it in, it is ready to go.
- 3). Close out of any open windows associated with your external hard drive once you have completed installation.
- 4). Launch the "Start" menu. If you want to back up Windows XP Pro to a disk, insert your blank CD or floppy disk before launching the "Start" menu.
- 5). Click on "All Programs" and select "Accessories." Now you can open the "System Tools" folders and double click on "Backup." The "Backup or Restore Wizard" will begin.
- 6). Click the "Next" button once the "The Backup or Restore Wizard" window opens.
- 7). Select to "Back up files and settings" and then click "Next."
- 8). Specify what items you want to back up. Your options are: "My documents and settings," "Everyone's documents and settings," "All information on this computer" or "Let me choose what to back up." Click the "Next" button once you've made a selection.
- 9). Choose a location to back up your information. Click the drop-down arrow and select either your external hard drive or your blank disk from the list of options.
- 10
Type a name for your backup file and then click "Next." - 11
Click "Finish" and the backup will begin. The amount of information you chose to backup will influence how long it will take.
Source...