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Data Backup for Windows XP Upgrade

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by jamesstjohn

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I am upgrading from Windows 98 to Windows XP on my 2 year old Sony laptop. The Sony website suggests that I "backup data, software and configuration information including connection settings for my ISP, access nubmers and addresses, network configurations, serial numbers, registration information, software updates, device drivers and other software required by third-party hardware devices." As I don't have a CD burner nor a zip drive, is there a simple way to do this? Any websites out there with advice on such? As a home user, the need to back up data has never been necessary, so I'm unsure as to the need or extent of doing such. Thanks!

5 replies

by thechas

A little paranoia is good for the soul.

Sony is covering all bases to assure that they can say I told you so if a user has problems with the Xp upgrade.

Even for a home system, it is a good idea to back up your files.

If you don't wish to invest in a back-up drive, then I suggest a utility such as WinZIP or PKZip.
In WinZip, you can select a number of files, and zip them across multiple floppies.

If you have access to another PC, drivers and software updates are not a major concern.
Just make sure that you have the install disk for any external hardware that you use.
Of course, you will need a new driver for XP anyhow.

Probably the most important thing for you to back up is your e-mail address book, and internet settings.
The location of the address book files depends on the e-mail program, and version that you are using.
For OE6, the files are at C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{a string for your user profile}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
There will be a .dbxfile for the address book, and each folder you have.

For netscape 4.x C:\Program Files\Netscape\Users\user name

For netscape 6.x, C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\user name\string\Mail

Then, make sure you have the passwords, account names, and phone numbers for your ISP account

Other items to backup include your IE favorites and any data files that you wish to keep.

Ideally, all of your files and settings will be maintained by the upgrade.
Keep in mind that many times XP the upgrade crashes, and you need to wipe the disk to recover.

Chas

by dpalsen

Actually, you may find that a CD-burner may be a good investment here. Not only does it expedite backups, but you'll find that once you have one, you find thousands of other uses for it. I can't imagine how I lived without mine now that I can burnaudio CDs for my car, video for my DVD player, as well as data backups.

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