How do I backup my files and folders in XP?

How do I backup my files and folders in XP?


Windows XP comes with a backup tool called NTBACKUP (NTBACKUP.MSI from Windows XP CD-ROM). In Windows XP Home Edition, this tool has to be installed manually from the CD-ROM, whereas in Windows XP Professional, this tool is installed by default.
Double-click the Ntbackup.msi file in the following location on the Windows XP Home Edition CD to start a wizard that installs NTBackup: X:\VALUEADD\MSFT\NTBACKUP

X:\ refers to the CD-ROM drive-letter


IMPORTANT: Usually, OEMs such as Compaq, DELL won't ship the Windows XP CD nor they include the NTBACKUP utility by default. You can download a copy of NTBACKUP.MSI here.

Backing up your files using NTBackup Utility:

Click Start, Run and type NTBACKUP
Select Backup tab at the top
In the left pane, scroll to the file/folder which you want to backup and put a checkmark on it.
At the bottom, mention the output filename (the backup output)
Once set, click Start Backup button in the right, and again click Start Backup in resulting dialog