Backing up data and system files is a crucial task that is often avoided as it perceived as being tedious and time consuming. With the proper hardware and software, performing data backups can be quick and almost effortless. In the following weeks, the articles that will be published will detail methods for backing up data with minimal effort. To follow the procedures the Windows XP backup utility needs to be installed on the computer performing the backups. Below is the procedure for determining if the software is installed and if not how to install the software.

To determine if the Windows backup utility is available follow go to Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools. If the utility is installed there will be a backup option listed under System Tools. If the backup utility is not listed then follow the procedure below to install the software on your system.

Install Windows XP Backup Utility

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into CD drive. If the CD does not start automatically, then open My Computer, right-click CD drive icon, and then select AutoPlay.


2. Click on Perform Additional tasks in the Welcome to Microsoft Windows dialog box.


3. Select Browse CD.


4. Double-click on the VALUEADD folder | double-click MSFT folder | double-click NTBACKUP folder. This will open the \VALUEADD\MSFT\NTBACKUP folder.


5. Double-click NTBACKUP to install backup software.


6. When installation is complete click on Finish.

If the installation worked properly then the the Windows XP backup utility is now installed on your system and ready for you to start backing up.

The next step is to configure the software for either manually or automatic backups and to create you first backup. For information on how to use the backup utility for either automatic or manuals backups use the provided links at the bottom of this article.