How to Backup and Restore Your Data Using Windows Vista Backup
How to Create a Backup Using Windows Vista Backup
If you're backing up your data to a disk (internal, external or DVD/CD), and only want to back up your personal data (i.e. excluding installed programs, system files etc.) then Vista has a built-in backup tool, which is accessible from the Start menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Backup Status and Configuration.
To set up an automatic backup, click on the "Set up automatic file backup" button. The next window asks you to choose the destination for the backup. In this example we're backing up to a DVD, but you could also select an internal or external hard disk here.
The next window asks which drives you want to backup data from. Your main drive will always be included, but if you're using others as well, you can include or exclude these.
In the next window, you can select the types of files that you want to include in the backup. Usually, you would leave all of these selected, so that you don't lose any of your data.
After this, you can choose the frequency and timing of the backup (remember that it will take up resources on your computer, so pick a time when you won't be using it). When you've done that, hit the “Save settings and start backup” button, and the backup will begin (the first backup will run immediately, and after that it will run based on the schedule you specified).
While it's pretty easy to use, this backup tool isn't very sophisticated. You can choose the types of files you want to back up, but there's no facility to include or exclude specific folders for example. If you need something a little more advanced, take a look at the section on SyncBack, or try one of the numerous other pieces of backup software that are available.
How to Restore Your Data Using Windows Vista Backup
Start the Vista backup tool from the Start menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Backup Status and Configuration. In the main window, click the “Restore Files” button on the left-hand side.
There are two options – "Advanced restore" allows you to restore files from a backup made on a different computer and to restore files for other users, while "Restore files" just enables you to restore files from a backup made on this computer for the current user.
The next step is to indicate whether you want files from the most recent backup or from an older one. Generally, you would want to use the most recent, unless you're looking for files that were lost some time ago and have therefore been omitted from recent backups.
The next step allows you to select the specific files and folders to be restored. Clicking on the "Add files..." and "Add folders..." buttons allows you to browse through the contents of the backup to select what you want to restore.
After this, you need to indicate where you want to restore the files to. Generally you'd restore them to their original location. And that's it. Click on "Start restore" and you should get your files back.
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