need help windows xp

[chris31560]

hi guys, now i know this sounds like a silly question but can someone talk me through backing up windows xp, wot do i need to do this like a disk or something, its just that i have never done this before and i need to get it rite, bought this comp over the weekend and its got no bk up disk so i thought i would do it myself, any help would be great.cheers..chris......

[Cod3waX]

thers a few ways u can back-up your info

1. make a partition from your c drive then save everything into the new partition this way when u re-write install windows u wont lose any info

2. USB Stick / CD/DVD write save ur info to any other theses devices

3. remove current HDD and replace with new 1 then install windows
this save time on having to save everything or losing anything
with old HDD u can then add it to ur machine after new installation either by the sata if u have a desktop PC or in a USB Caddy if ur using a laptop

[chris31560]

hi m8, some of that info sank in but realy all i wont to know is how to bk up my os onto a disk, iam runnin windows xp pro if that means anything.cheers.chris..

[Cod3waX]

u cannot back-up the OS u back-up the info that u added to the OS then format & Re-install XP Pro

[chris31560]

thanx m8, i think iam gettin it now , but how do u re format.cheers.chris..

[tommos43]

Get a copy of XP and do it from the disc.

Loads of versions to download.

[Cod3waX]

have u saved everything? do u have motherbaord disc drivers?
if yes then find ur xp disc and key put it in the computer and restart
before the computer gets to the loading of windows u will have a 'Press any key to boot from disc option'
then let it load up
(if u dont get this option u must go into ur bios and make the cd/dvd rom drive boot before the hdd)
this will then begin to install and will have options which u must choose to continue

i recommend doing a full hard format of ur drive under ntfs (this will take some time when clicked )

after sucessfull format u then will beable to install a fresh copy of xp

can i get ur pc spec so i can see if ur system will work with windows 7

this is a much better windows to be using than xp
quicker faster more reliable drivers

i can hook u up with windows 7 & key let me know if u want this windows instead

[mini]

what if he made a image of the hdd, would that help?

[Cod3waX]

what if he made a image of the hdd, would that help?

you could do that
i dont have recent knowlege of this did it many years ago with norton ghost it worked but nah would rather have a fresh install anytime

[chris31560]

hi m8, were would i find my pc spec..

[Cod3waX]

right click my computer / properties

[senc230]

Acronis has great backup products

[R_J]

Like Cod3wax says: if you do format the drive make sure you have/download a copy of at least your network card/chipset drivers, if you don't have them you may not be able to connect to the internet this happens alot with hp/compaq and other motherboards with onboard lan. the drivers may not be on the install disc.

This is about the backup utility in windows XP: How to use the Backup utility to back up files and folders in Windows XP Home Edition

XP pro has it installed under Progams,Accessories,System Tools, Backup

[ray156]

i could be missing something in this thread.
one thing,is the pc second hand or new.

click start-then my computer, then come back and say what you see,

should be something like picture below.......

[Cod3waX]

right click my computer properties and u should get this