backing up...

[molsen]

backing up and partition q's

I've been feeling nervous about the permanence of my data lately. My PC has started acting weird. Weird startups, slow shutdowns, etc., etc.....so I figured it's time to reformat and and reinstall Windows before something major happens and I have no control over my data.

I ordered a 2nd 40gig hard drive today so I can back things up. I'm especially nervous about the music and photos that I have...much of which cannot be replaced. Better safe than sorry!!!

Anyways, is the best way to backup Windows settings through the built-in Windows backup program under My Computer > Main (C > Tools ??

Windows XP Prof.
3700+ @ 2.55ghz
1 gig RAM @ 212mhz
40 gig HD

When I reformat, is it possible to create a partition on each of the drives in a striped RAID array solely for Windows, then the rest of each drive not in RAID?

Also, say I have Windows installed in its own partition, while programs, music, photos, etc. are in a seperate one. If I reformat the Windows partition and reinstall it, how do I go about getting programs back on the Start Menu and getting various drivers reintegrated with Windows? Or do I just need to reinstall all of that...

 

[molsen]

bump, please help... i gotta reformat soon. i just got a virus that i can't get rid of.

 

[Apokalipse]

there's always a way to get rid of a virus.

do you know anything specific about this virus?

 

[molsen]

well i needed to reformat ANYWAYS... so I just went ahead and did that. I had everything backed up already, so it wasn't too big of a deal. I didn't feel like messing with a buncha stuff to get rid of this virus when I was just gonna reformat soon anyways.

I just made a 10gig partition for Windows. Programs, music, pics, etc. are in a seperate partition and/or drive.

 

[talldude123]

The backup tool in Windows XP Professional is OK, but i recommend trying out a full-featured trial version of backup software, or just backup manually.

Read what MS has to say about backing up with XP:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx

 

[molsen]

cool, well i already formatted and everything. yea, i just backed up manually. i copied all the installation files for programs and any serials onto a CD. then i transfered pictures, music, and videos to my new hard drive.