Question about backing up on Windows XP Professional pc?

Question

I currently back up in a very simple way I have a subdirectory called archive where I store everything that is important to keep: resume, drivers, important word processing documents, all my drivers, important utilities etc. and just burn a DVD of it every week.

But if my pc goes down I lose my bookmarks and even more annoyingly my saved games eg I'm 100 hours into an RPG and I can either give up or start completely again.

I tried backing up my bookmarks in mozilla but couldn't work out how to restore them, even after looking at their help.

Most importatnly I want to work out how to back up my hard drive so I don't lose data relating to saved games. Everything else can be re-installed.

I have a single DVD drive, a 320gb hard drive and 500gb hard-drive.

Whick backup program would be best and where can I get it (if that is what I need)?

I know windows has its own backup program but I remember being told years ago it is a waste of time because it doesn't work.

Is windows backup any good now?

Any recommended free backup programs that are better?

Thanks.

Answer 1

The simplest way to add to what you're already doing (and believe me, you're doing a LOT more than most people) is to make sure you backup your Windows profile directory.



I'm going to assume that your RPG keeps the running changes to your account in there as well. The directory is usually C:\Documents and Settings\username, where "username" is your account name.



That folder holds just about everything you do in the system. If you browse through the folder, you'll see the configuration files and settings for your account. (By the way, you may have to turn on the "View Hidden Folders" option in Windows Explorer's settings to see some of the folders in that profile directory).



Just make sure you include that entire directory when you do your regular backups. That will capture nearly everything your account has set on the system, and it pretty easy to restore if the system gets trashed.



Regarding Mozilla/Firefox, the bookmarks are in a file called "bookmarks.html", which is stored in your Mozilla profile in your Windows profile. You can backup that file, and just copy it over when you need to (make sure the browser isn't running when you do this).



And Windows backup still sucks.



If you're interested, there are a number of ways, using free software, to make backups and images of your hard disk for storage.



read this: http://www.nu2.nu/bootcd/



Also read this page about using a Linux LiveCd (Knoppix) to run the "dd" utility and clone your drive.



http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-newbie-8/learn-the-dd-command-362506/

Answer 2

I have used Autosave from Avanquest for over two years and it's excellent. You can set it to back up any file that changes in a session, and that's a lot of Windows files (plus of course data files, emails etc).



It keeps 4 sets on your backup hard disk, flash drive or CD, and any time you have a problem you can restore any or all the files changed since a chosen time or date. Easy to set and leave and gives you complete ease of mind.

Answer 3

hi there



for backup i recommend Acronis True Image Home. This will allow you to create a hidden partition on your drive and should anything go wrong then u press f11 to restore your full system - takes around 20 mins. or u can also backup to another drive as well. id recommend doing both.



if u have a maxtor or seagate drive you can get a free edition of Aronis True Image Home here:



http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/discwizard



i can even help u set this up



regards

Answer 4

Boot your pc with XP Prof CD and bypass through the options and also you'll get a exhibit that asking to choose the walls on your hdd. On that element look above and also you'll see the options to delete / format the walls. best of success

Answer 5

save games is easy

go to the folder the game is installed

look for the savegame file

copy this any where as a copy

if needed you reinstall your game and put this file back in the game folder

Answer 6

visit this link



http://bshireesh.blogspot.com/2008/11/take-backup-restore-ur-pc-settings.html