Resolved Backups

peter turner · 2011/02/25

Good morning All.
I am totally computer illiterate and would appreciate some help. I am running XP and would like to back up my programs and favourites, contacts, etc so that I can transfer them to , say, a new computer, or my old one should it fail. This would save me buying them again. I have purchased an external hard drive for this. The salesman said just drag and drop what I want or the whole of drive C across to the new drive using "windows explorer" but a friend has said that The programs wouldn't work that way and that I need backup software. Everything I've read on the subject just confuses me more. Can someone please suggest a simple easy to use program that will do what I want.
Many thanks
Peter

PeteC · 2011/02/26

A few basics .....

You can copy data files either manually or using third party software to a backup location, e.g. an external hard drive without any problems. Examples of data files are those contained in My Documents, Word documents, Excel workbooks, text files, mpegs, jpegs, mp3/4's and so on. Backing up to a location on the source hard drive is not a valid backup - if the drive goes down both the original and copied data is lost - independent media is a must with backups.

Favourites can be backed up to a file using File > Import and Export in IE and the Address Book in OE by similar means.

You cannot copy your entire C:\ drive as files are in use when Windows is running, neither can you copy programs as many of the files needed to run the programs are installed deep within Windows in addition to those in the folder in Program Files.

To make a 'copy' of your C:\ drive you need third party software to create an image of the drive which can be restored to the existing hard drive or to a replacement hard drive should the need arise. You would not restore this image to a new computer as the Operating System would be different - currently Windows 7.

There are several third party applications available for imaging the hard drive - I use Acronis True Image Home 2011 which is relatively straightforward and intuitive to use - a free trial is available. Windows XP SP3 is supported. Acronis will also backup specified files and folders in addition to it's imaging facility.

If you get a new computer you will need to install your programs on it for which you will require the original installation CD's and there is always the outside possibility that they would not be compatible with Windows 7.

Post back if anything is not clear or you want further explanation

peter turner · 2011/02/26

Hi Pete
Many thanks for the reply. Unfortunatly most of my programs such as "perfect disc" and "registry booster" were downloaded from the "net" so I don't have any discs. However I do have the original (files?) that I downloaded and opened to install them. Would it work if I saved these? Also I would like to save my favourites and address book. Would any backup program I get, know where to find them,as I have no idea. Sorry to appear so dumb, I do appreciate the help.
Peter

PeteC · 2011/02/26

However I do have the original (files?) that I downloaded and opened to install them. Would it work if I saved these?
Click to expand...

Most certainly - they are the installation files (executables - .exe) for the programs mentioned.

However we would strongly recommend against using any form of Registry cleaner or optimizer - our Malware Analyst's take on this with which I wholeheartedly agree .....

Registry cleaners/optimizers are not recommended for several reasons:

Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable.

The Windows registry is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository. The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable. For a more detailed explanation, read Understanding The Registry.

Not all registry cleaners are created equal. There are a number of them available but they do not all work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad entry ". One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause problems when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work.

Not all registry cleaners create a backup of the registry before making changes. If the changes prevent the system from booting up, then there is no backup available to restore it in order to regain functionality. A backup of the registry is essential BEFORE making any changes to the registry.

Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools.

The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results ".

Unless you have a particular problem that requires a registry edit to correct it, I would suggest you leave the registry alone. Using registry cleaning tools unnecessarily or incorrectly could lead to disastrous effects on your operating system such as preventing it from ever starting again. For routine use, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great.

Ed Bott's Webog: Why I don't use registry cleaners

Do I need a Registry Cleaner?

Click to expand...

Also I would like to save my favourites and address book.
Click to expand...

Acronis will certainly save your Favourites to backup and I guess the Address Book/Contacts list too - I store these on a separate hard drive which is backed up every hour using other software.

I suggest you download the free trial of Acronis and give it the once over.

jpChris · 2011/02/26

XXClone is (IMHO) a great free backup utility. It will backup the entire contents of your Master Drive to your USB drive; reassign drive letters and you can make the USB drive bootable to boot!

Plus, if you move to a new system, it isn't difficult to have the "new" old drive boot. There's a few steps to do, but it's pretty painless.

peter turner · 2011/02/26

Many thanks guys. I'ts all slowly starting to make sense now. Thank God I didn't lsten to the salesman.
Peter

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