Backing up C Drive

I hope this is in the right forum. I have a new Gateway that has turned out to be a lemon. They want me to send it in before they will replace it as they want to see if it can be repaired (doubtful - too many things wrong) first. Anyway this is my question. If I make a backup of the entire C drive and then put it on the new computer, what does that do to the operating system on the new computer as there will be a lot of duplicate files. Or is it better to just make a backup of individual files and folders and things like my outlook express emails etc.? I think it would obviously be easier if they would send a new computer first and I could transfer things via a network, but they are not being cooperative in that respect. At any rate, the computer is still functioning for the moment and want to save my data while I can. Thanks for any thoughts on the subject. Operating system is XP Pro.

 

Sorry, but I don't understand why I would buy a new hard drive if one is coming with the new computer. I have Nero which has an option for backing up the C Drive. Takes 2 dvds. When the new computer comes I am assuming that I could just restore the C Drive, but wouldn't this include the operating system and wouldn't that mess up the existing operating system on the new computer? And what about the program files. I have all the setup files, but if the entire C Drive has been backed up wouldn't the programs already be there? I just don't know how this works. When I got this computer, I transfered a lot of data from the old computer using a network cable as I said before. Just looking for a way to get all my stuff to the replacement computer when it comes since the current computer will have already been returned.

 

Beth, Since you indicated that you have Nero Backup and a DVD burner, you can use it to save all of your personal files. Nero will allow you to select the individual files if you don't want to copy the whole drive. Just read the prompts as you enter the Backup procedure.

I suggest that you select all files except the Windows folder. That way you can be reasonably sure that you have what you need. Burn that compilation to a dvd (disable compression in nero) and you'll be able to access any single file for restoration. With compression disabled, you can read the Backup files directly and minipulate them as needed.

I think that will keep you safe enough. As for the Windows folder, Steve is correct, you will need to reinstall any programs that have made entries into the Registry so don't bother backing up the Windows folder. You'll have a new version of Windows if they replace the computer so you'll need to re-install your other software.

HTH

 

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Guess I will back up only specific files I need. Somewhere in one of the forums I read how to back up favorites list and emails. Hope it works. Still wish I knew more about backing up the entire drive. Supposedly it is for if you have a crash. But what good would it do if you would still have to (in the case of a crash) reinstall the operating system and all your programs?

 

The full drive backup is most useful when you are planning on restoring it on the same machine that created it. It would not work sociably if you tried to place it on a completely different machine (as you plan) since there would be several driver issues to say the least.

For your purpose, what I suggested earlier will cover all of your bases since none of your personal files are contained in the Windows folder by default. That applies to your E-mail and Favorites as well. The Nero Backup program that you have is very user friendly so don't be afraid to give it a go. If you make an error in selection, just cancel out and start over. The easy way is to select the C: drive entirely and then just untag the Windows folder. You'll see, it's a walk in the park. Don't forget to disable compression as you go through the motions.

Good luck.

 

It is patently false to say that a backup cannot restore program files, drivers and other apsects of a Windows install.

1. Imaging technology is old hat, and has done exactly what several have argued is not possible.

XP natively supports ASR - "Automated System Recovery" which permits a complete restore from bare metal. Nor is there anything particularly unique about this feature.

I use Acronis True Image, and can restore my system volume completely in under 16 minutes. It backup image can also be mounted as a drive, allowing selective copying to replace files.

The Nero backup program allows the same restoration from bare metal. It can boot from CD or floppy and restore from its backup sets a complete system including applications and drivers, registry, the operating system, preference, the works.

There are many imaging programs to choose from; including Norton Ghost and BootitNG.

2. F.A.S.T. "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard" and USTM "User State Migration" Wizard copy settings, user data, and other requisite information so that a clean install, and an install of application software, then a FAST OR USTM will have you back in business.

There are commercial versions that have more and at least equal features. Google for "xp migration utility ".

And yes, some of these will transfer the application software too if it is a popular title and its registry and other requirements have been determined.