Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard as a quick file backup tool in Windows XP

by Greg Shultz | Jan 25, 2006 8:00:00 AM

Tags: Greg Shultz, tool, backup, Settings Transfer Wizard, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: Have you backed up your files lately? Put the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to use, and preserve valuable information on your Windows XP machine.

You can migrate your files and settings from one computer to another using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP. Did you know that you can also use the same utility to back up files? Using the Wizard, along with an external hard drive connected via a USB or Firewire connection, you can. In addition to an external hard drive, you can even back up to a network drive.

Here's how:

1. Launch the Files And Settings Transfer Wizard, select the Old Computer option on the Which Computer Is This? screen, and click Next.
2. Choose the Other option on the Select A Transfer Method screen.
3. Click the Browse button, specify the backup destination—an external hard drive or a network drive—and click Next.
4. On the What Do You Want To Transfer screen, select the appropriate Files And Settings option, and click Next.
5. Follow the instructions in the wizard to create the compressed backup file.

To restore the files, simply run the Files And Settings Transfer Wizard as though you were transferring the files to a new computer.

For more information of the Files And Settings Transfer Wizard, see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

• Using Files And Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP
• Using the Files And Settings Transfer Wizard By Using the Windows XP CD-ROM
• Using the Files And Settings Transfer Wizard with a Wizard Disk in Windows XP

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Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

Baloney this doesn't work as advertised by MS olli.coker@... | 01/26/06

I used it from AMD to dell laptop gitmo | 01/26/06

Not baloney but a piece of cake jadnerb | 01/26/06

Update - big file and funky OS olli.coker@... | 01/26/06

Caveat Emptor my children ... MerchantBanker | 01/26/06

Simple configs work fine SWW Ironman | 02/06/06

Did not have any issues tfenner | 01/26/06

Works sometimes tricej@... | 01/26/06

Only one issue brentonhammons@... | 01/26/06

Did I misunderstand? No name specified | 01/26/06

Not true olli.coker@... | 01/27/06

Beware "mixing" versions of FSTW marvin.kuers@... | 01/27/06

Another thing to consider.... Supertechie | 01/28/06

How do you without backing up the usb drive steve_welch0@... | 01/29/06