Last week we discussed how to make a backup copy of the personal data on a Windows XP computer using “Fab’s AutoBackup.” Today, a discussion on where to store the backup and how to restore it when necessary.

When you used AutoBackup, it created a folder somewhere that you specified. (Probably the easiest “legal” place to place it is right smack on your “C drive.” That’s out of the way of AutoBackup, and still fairly easy to find later.) All you’ve done so far, though, is make a copy of files from one place on the hard drive to another. To truly “back it up,” you need to put it somewhere else, such as on a writable CD or DVD, a USB “thumb drive” or an external hard drive.

Before you know where you can copy the backed up files to, you should probably find out how much file space you’ll need. Find the folder that AutoBackup created. The folder will likely be named something like, “Autobackup – Owner – 11-07-07,” where “Owner” will be the user name of the profile that was backed up. (Note: It might actually be “Owner.”) Once you see the folder, right-click it and select “Properties” from the small menu that appears. You’re looking for the “Size” that it lists. Knowing the different size limitations of your backup media selections (How much will your thumb drive hold? Is it enough?) will lead you to a solution.

Please note: I strongly recommend that you also put a copy of the AutoBackup installation file on your backup media so that you have it handy if you need it!

If you should ever have to use AutoBackup to restore your files, the process is just as simple

• Log into Windows as the user who’s profile you want to restore files and/or settings to. (If your computer logs you into Windows automatically, you’re set.)
• Plug in the backup media (external hard drive, etc.) where the backup files are stored, or put in the CD/DVD. You’ll need to know what drive letter your backup files are on.
• Run AutoBackup, or reinstall it again from your backup media (see how handy that was?). As soon as AutoBackup starts, select “Restore Settings” from the selections at the top.
• Click the “Browse” button at the bottom and locate the folder where your backup files are stored. (Don’t go any deeper when you see the Archive folder!)
• Select all of the check boxes for the items you wish to restore, such as “Windows Desktop.” When you have selected everything you want to restore, click “Restore.”

If all goes well, your settings will be restored right in front of your eyes. You’ll even see your old Desktop wallpaper appear.

***

[Author’s Note: “Ask the Geek” is published weekly in the Stratford Star - the penultimate reading experience for residents of Stratford, Texas, population 1,920. It is posted on WritersCafe.net for posterity. Feel free to comment, but I can’t promise you’ll make the Star.]