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Question

RE: HOW CAN ONE CREATE SYSYTEM IMAGE IN WINDOWS XP

Oct 5, 2012 5:23PM PDT

I would like to store a system image of my computer with windows xp operating system and storing it in an external hard disk . But I cannot find a button or drop list for doing this in Windows Xp.
In addtion there is no file back up button in Windows XP.
Can somebody help me. If my system crashes I will be in deep trouble.

AJACIVIL

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: backup
Oct 5, 2012 6:25PM PDT

To make an image, you need a third party program, like Acronis True Image. There's a free version available from the Western Digital site if you have a Western Digital disk (internal or external).

Alternatives might be Clonezilla and xxclone (both free) but I don't have any personal experiences with them.Just google and maybe try.

And indeed, there's no file backup button in Windows XP either. But there are many ways to copy files to a backup device. Those range from Windows Explorer via xxcopy (part of Windows) and Synctoy (free from Microsoft) to programs like Syncback (not free).

It's a great idea (and necessary) to have a backup.

Kees

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Answer
"In addtion there is no file back up button in Windows XP."
Oct 6, 2012 2:14AM PDT

You're right and wrong at the same time. If I wanted to backup my files in XP all I need to do is to use Windows Explorer to select the files and folders then Control+C or Edit/Copy then on my backup drive, Control+V or Edit/Paste.

Done. But you're right. No "button."
Bob

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Answer
As others have said ...
Oct 6, 2012 8:39AM PDT

in Windows XP you need a third party application to create an image of the drive.

XP Pro has NT Backup and XP Home does have it to but it is not installed by default. XP backup is OK for simple backups but it puts them in a proprietary format and restoring can be a problem so it is BEST to forget about it and just make use of Windows Explorer and copying files or even better a quick batch file for backing up specific directories either on command or on a schedule.

I also would suggest Acronis True Image for imaging a drive for several reasons among which are that it is also a really nice scheduled backup program and it allows you to restore specific files from any image you create with it or with Windows 7. Additionally is it quite inexpensive.

Then there is the freeware that Kees suggested or also the free Macrium Reflect which has a GUI interface as far too many are uncomfortable with the command line.
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx