Backing Up with Windows XP Home

[Garden Manager]

I have just invested in a portable hard drive and want to use it to back up a PC running XP Home (sp3). There was a reference in the instruction manual to an application within windows XP to run backups but my version of XP does not include it. Here lies the problem, Windows XP home Backup must be installed from a disc supplied with the computer.

After a search i realised such a disc was not supplied with the machine, apparently all the manufacturer thought i needed was on the machine. This is a common occurrence with new PCs these days. As a result I do not know how i can get this backup facilty on my machine, which is now 4 years old, less reliable and in need of backing up. I do not expect much joy from the PC manufacturer.

Can anyone tell me how either i can get Windows XP Backup on my machine or alternatively suggest a reliable and easy to use alternative (preferably at low or no cost).

Thanks

[Garden Manager]

[Capt Pugwash]

Some companies don't include the extra files from the standard Windows XP CD  :(

However, you can download a copy of the ntbackup installer here http://www.winxptutor.com/ntbackup.htm

[Gillysdad]

Thanks for that. It'll come in handy I'm sure, both for me...and others. :)

[Kepouros]

Most external drives will allow you to `drag and drop`.  Whenever you finish working on a file simply delete the copy on the external drive, and drag the new version to replace it with a fresh copy.

[Garden Manager]

Some companies don't include the extra files from the standard Windows XP CD  :(

However, you can download a copy of the ntbackup installer here http://www.winxptutor.com/ntbackup.htm

Thanks for the link but unfortunately the page will not load.

[Garden Manager]

Most external drives will allow you to `drag and drop`.  Whenever you finish working on a file simply delete the copy on the external drive, and drag the new version to replace it with a fresh copy.

Just used the backup software on my vista laptop (am about to upgrade to 7). Very good.The advantage of using software over just drag and drop is that the files get compressed to save space. I really want something like this for my XP machines (one desktop one laptop). It seems strange that XP does not come with a backup preinstalled. I seem to recall that previous versions of windows (particularly 98) did come with a backup utility, but this has apparently been dropped in the 'Home' version of XP.

[BarriedaleNick]

Some companies don't include the extra files from the standard Windows XP CD  :(

However, you can download a copy of the ntbackup installer here http://www.winxptutor.com/ntbackup.htm

Thanks for the link but unfortunately the page will not load.

http://www.winxptutor.com/ntbackup.msi

direct link to file!

[glow777]

Have a look at cobian backup (try version 9 for xp)

not only is it free its so much easier than the xp one, it lets you do incremental backups, schedules and will even shutdown your computer after completion.

If you install it run as an application not service

http://www.educ.umu.se/~cobian/cobianbackup.htm

regarding compressed backups vs copy i would rather have copies. because
1: you can retrieve files a lot quicker
2: if the file is corrupted you do not lose all your backup
3: incremental backups work a lot more efficientaly

[greenfists]

I would also recommend Cobian backup. Its fine for home backing up and of course, free.

[Garden Manager]

Have a look at cobian backup (try version 9 for xp)

not only is it free its so much easier than the xp one, it lets you do incremental backups, schedules and will even shutdown your computer after completion.

If you install it run as an application not service

http://www.educ.umu.se/~cobian/cobianbackup.htm

regarding compressed backups vs copy i would rather have copies. because
1: you can retrieve files a lot quicker
2: if the file is corrupted you do not lose all your backup
3: incremental backups work a lot more efficientaly

I downloaded and installed it but couldn't work it out, plus i wasn't happy with the download so have abandoned it. Have located a copy of NT backup for XP and will try that instead.

Thanks anyway.