Using Backup in Windows XP

The Backup utility helps you create a copy of the information on a tape or storage device. Suppose the original data on your hard disk is accidentally erased or overwritten or becomes inaccessible because of a hard disk malfunction. In that case, you can use the copy to restore your lost or damaged data.

Notes:

• To start Backup, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup.
• The Removable Storage service must be started for Backup to work correctly.
• You can also use the Automated System Recovery Wizard in the Backup utility to help you repair your system.
• For information about using Backup, click the Help menu in Backup.

Backing up files and folders

Backup lets you back up data to a file or a tape. When you back up data to a file, you have to designate a file name and a location for the saved file. Backup files usually have the extension .bkf, but you can change it to any extension. A backup file can be saved to a hard disk, a floppy disk, or any removable or non-removable media on which you can save a file.

When you back up data to a tape, you must have a tape device connected to your computer. Tapes are managed by Removable Storage. Although Backup works together with Removable Storage, you might have to use Removable Storage to perform specific maintenance tasks, such as preparing and ejecting tapes.

The following four steps describe a simple backup operation:

Select files, folders, and drives for backup

Select storage media or file location for backed-up data

Set backup options

Start the backup

Notes:

• You must be an administrator or a backup operator to back up all files and folders. Suppose you are a member of the Users or Power Users group. In that case, you must be the owner of the files and folders you want to back up, or you must have one or more of the following permissions for the files and folders you want to back up: Read, Read and Execute, Modify, or Full Control.
• The registry, the directory service, and other key system components are contained in the System State data. You must back up the System State data if you want to back up these components.
• You can only back up the System State data on a local computer. You cannot back up the System State data on a remote computer.
• You can schedule a backup so that it will run unattended at a specific time or frequency. You can schedule a backup after you click Start Backup.
• If you have Windows Media Services running on your computer, and you want to back up the files associated with these services, see "Running Backup with Windows Media Services" in the Windows Media Services online documentation. You must follow the procedures outlined in the Windows Media Services online documentation before you can back up or restore files associated with Windows Media Services.
• If you are using Removable Storage to manage media, or you are using Remote Storage to store data, you should regularly back up the files that are in the following folders:
  Systemroot\System32\Ntmsdata
  Systemroot\System32\Remotestorage
  This will ensure that all of your Remote Storage and Removable Storage data can be restored.

These free applications can add fun and functionality to the Windows Vista experience.

SyncToy v2.1
SyncToy helps you copy, move, rename, and delete files between folders and computers quickly and easily.
Click here to download

Microsoft Network Monitor 3.3
A tool to allow capturing and protocol analysis of network traffic.
Click here to download

Windows SteadyState 2.5
Whether you manage computers in a school computer lab or an Internet cafe, a library, or even in your home, Windows SteadyState helps make it easy for you to keep your computers running the way you want them to, no matter who uses them.
Click here to download

Windows Help program (WinHlp32.exe) for Windows Vista
WinHlp32.exe is required to display 32-bit Help files that have the ".hlp" filename extension. To view .hlp files on Windows Vista, you need to install this application.
Click here to download

Windows PowerShell 2.0 for Windows Vista
Microsoft Windows PowerShell is a command-line shell and scripting language designed for system administration and automation. Built on the .NET Framework, Windows PowerShell enables IT professionals and developers to control and automate Windows and applications' administration.

Windows NT Backup - Restore Utility
Utility for restoring backups made on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 to computers running Windows Vista and Microsoft® Windows Server® 2008.
Click here to download

Windows Easy Transfer for Windows XP
Download Windows Easy Transfer for your Windows XP-based PC so you can automatically copy your files, photos, music, e-mail, settings, and more to your new Windows Vista based PC. This software enables you to transfer data with Easy Transfer Cables or across a network, external drive, or CD/DVD.
Click here to download

Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator 1.4
Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator allows users to create or modify keyboard layouts.
Click here to download

PowerToys add fun and functionality to the Windows experience. What are they? PowerToys are additional programs that developers work on after a product has been released.

Color Control Panel Applet
Professional-level photographers and designers know that getting consistent, accurate color from file to screen to print and beyond is a requirement for great results. This new tool helps you manage Windows color settings in one place. Download or learn more.

SyncToy
With new sources of files coming from every direction (such as digital cameras, e-mail, cell phones, portable media players, camcorders, PDAs, and laptops), SyncToy can help you copy, move, and synchronize different directories. Download or learn more.

RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer
Are you a serious photographer? Now you can organize and work with digital RAW files in Windows Explorer (much as you can with JPEG images). This tool provides thumbnails, previews, printing, and metadata display for RAW images. Download or learn more.

ClearType Tuner
This PowerToy lets you use ClearType technology to make it easier to read text on your screen and installs in the Control Panel for easy access.

HTML Slide Show Wizard
This wizard helps you create an HTML slide show of your digital pictures, ready to place on your Web site.

Open Command Window Here
This PowerToy adds an "Open Command Window Here" context menu option on file system folders, giving you a quick way to open a command window (cmd.exe) pointing at the selected folder.

Alt-Tab Replacement
With this PowerToy, in addition to seeing the icon of the application window you are switching to, you will also see a preview of the page. This helps immensely when multiple sessions of an application are open.

Tweak UI
This PowerToy gives you access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface, including mouse settings, Explorer settings, taskbar settings, and more.

Version 2.10 requires Windows XP Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003.

Power Calculator
With this PowerToy, you can graph and evaluate functions and perform many different types of conversions.

Image Resizer
This PowerToy enables you to resize one or many image files with a right-click.

CD Slide Show Generator
With this PowerToy, you can view images burned to a CD as a slide show. The Generator works downlevel on Windows 9x machines as well.

Virtual Desktop Manager
Manage up to four desktops from the Windows taskbar with this PowerToy.

Taskbar Magnifier
Use this PowerToy to magnify part of the screen from the taskbar.

Webcam Timershot
This PowerToy lets you take pictures at specified time intervals from a Webcam connected to your computer and save them to a location that you designate.

Since Windows XP has reached its end-of-life, Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP is no longer available for download.

In today's modern world, our lives are powered by electronic devices. Our homes are filled with valuable tools, from smartphones and laptops to entertainment systems and kitchen appliances. However, these devices are more vulnerable than we realize, at risk of being damaged by power surges, a threat we often overlook. This is where surge protectors come into play, serving as a crucial line of defense against electrical spikes that could wreak havoc on our beloved devices. In this article, we will explore the importance of surge protectors, how they work, and why you should consider integrating them into your home and office setups.

First and foremost, it's essential to understand a power surge and how it can impact your electronics. A power surge, also known as a transient voltage, is a short burst of electrical energy that can significantly exceed the standard voltage levels in a circuit. Various factors, including lightning strikes, utility company switching, and electrical faults within the home, can cause these surges. A power surge can overwhelm the delicate circuitry in your electronics, leading to irreversible damage or a shortened lifespan.

Surge protectors are not just devices. They are the guardians of your electronic devices. They are designed to detect an overvoltage condition and safely divert excess electricity to the ground, ensuring that it never reaches your valuable equipment. Surge protectors provide a sense of security by acting as a barrier between your devices and the electrical supply, knowing that your electronics are shielded from potential harm.

Now, you might wonder if surge protectors are necessary or just an optional add-on. Investing in surge protectors is wise for anyone looking to safeguard their electronic investments. While many modern devices have built-in protection circuits, these internal safeguards are not always sufficient to ward off the full force of a power surge. A quality surge protector adds an extra layer of defense that can make all the difference when a surge occurs.

Not all surge protectors are created equal. It's essential to choose one that can handle the power demands of your electronics while providing a sufficient level of surge protection. Look for surge protectors with a high joule rating, indicating the energy they can absorb before needing replacement. Additionally, consider features such as USB ports, coaxial cable protection, and the number of outlets to ensure that the surge protector meets your needs.

A typical surge protector/power strip uses Metal Oxide Varistor(s) (MOV). The cheapest kind may use just one varistor, from hot (live, active) to neutral. A better protector would contain at least three varistors, one across each of the three pairs of conductors (hot-neutral, hot-ground, neutral-ground).

While a MOV is designed to conduct significant power for very short durations (~8/20 microseconds), such as caused by lightning strikes, it typically does not have the capacity to conduct sustained energy. Under normal utility voltage conditions, this is not a problem. However, certain types of faults on the utility power grid can result in sustained over-voltage conditions. Examples include a loss of a neutral conductor or shorted lines on the high voltage system. Applying sustained over-voltage to a MOV can cause high dissipation, potentially resulting in the MOV device catching fire.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has documented many cases of catastrophic fires caused by MOV devices in surge suppressors and issued bulletins on the issue. Now, when it comes to critical computer hardware (servers, switches, etc.), I recommend enterprise-grade Brickwall Non-Fail Surge Protectors by Price Wheeler LLC. They do not contain any MOVs and can take surges up to 6000V and 3000A.

In conclusion, surge protectors are not just a necessity but a proactive step towards securing the integrity of our electronic devices in the face of power surges. By understanding the potential risks associated with power spikes and the protective capabilities of surge protectors, we can make informed decisions to secure our valuable electronics. Whether at home or in the workplace, integrating surge protectors into our setups is a proactive step towards ensuring the longevity and reliability of our electronic investments. So, the next time you ponder the necessity of surge protectors, remember that they serve as invaluable guardians, standing between your devices and the unpredictable nature of electrical disturbances.

As many of you know, I'm not your 'pocket-protector' type of geek. For years I have been asked, "Is that a holster you're wearing?"

Actually, it's an e-Holster Modular Shoulder Holster Case System.

I found that I could carry everything I usually would stuff into my pockets without getting the 'clown pants' look (over-stuffed pockets). This is my current configuration, as these are modular components.