Chapter 3
Sometimes the most underused tools are the most important ones. If you have ever lost difficult-to-replace data because of a system crash or an inadvertent Format c:, you know how important a good backup copy of your data can be. This chapter provides a discussion of backup strategies that use the in-the-box utilities of Microsoft Windows XP to help you avoid the unpleasant chore of re-creating lost data.
First, the chapter discusses backup strategies. We then examine the Windows XP Backup utility with a quick overview of this tool’s general options and then a detailed look at its advanced features for both backing up and restoring your computer’s data. Next, the chapter covers the Automated System Recovery Wizard (included only in Windows XP Professional) and describes how to back up and restore system data. The chapter also reviews command-line methods that can come in handy when archiving data. Finally, the chapter describes how to use the Recovery Console to boot your computer and attempt to repair boot-related problems.
This chapter covers the following:
Establishing a backup strategy
Using the Backup Or Restore Wizard
Using the Restore Wizard
Using advanced backup and restore features
Using Automated System Recovery
Running the Backup utility from batch files and the command line
Using the Recovery Console
