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XP Professional OS backup

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by supz

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Hiya! I have a quick question....Usually in an operating system, the operating system has a backup in a file folder incase your system disk is lost. I do not have a disk for my preinstalled copy of Windows XP Professional, but I am not sure where tolocate the file folder where it should be backed up. For Win95 it's in C://utils//win95 I think, or something like that, and for Win98 it's C://win98...does anyone know where I can locate the Windows XP folder? Please post a reply. Thanks a ton.

7 replies

by timwalsh

Be aware that the WinXP installation routine does not do this by default. This is done by the OEM. Not all OEMs may do this.

by thechas

Did you get a 'restore' disk with the system?
If so, that is where your backup is.

Alternately, many OEMs create a hidden partition on the hard drive for restoring the system.

There may be a restore floppy disk, or a special procedure that you would be talked through if you contacted the mfgs help desk.

I recommend that you use XP's built in tools, and create a restore point for your system.
Then, before installing new software or updates, create a new restore point.

For instructions, just search the help menu for restore point.

The lack of a CD is one reason I do not purchase OEM systems.

The folder i386 does have a copy of most (if not all) of the cabinet files from the CD.
On my system, the folder location is C:\Windows\Driver Cache\i386
and C:\WINDOWS\system32\ReinstallBackups\0000\DriverFiles\i386
Each folder has a very small number of files in it.

Chas

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