Welcome to Just Ask Matt! Today, Carl writes:

Matt,
A friend of mine recently got a new computer
with XP, but as life now goes, they don’t even give you a recovery disk. Whats the best way of backing up the OS and the programs on this machine? I’m also guessing you must live close to me, as I live in Anacortes and you’re always mentioning Bellingham or points around Seattle.

Well, Carl, one option that ought to do just fine for you is the NT backup utility; assuming you have XP Pro. Since it does not sound like you have the XP CD in any capacity, I am going to guess you are working with a PC that uses one of those ‘recovery partitions’ in lieu of the recovery CD.

Speaking for myself, I just back up my data onto another machine or onto DVDs. If disaster strikes, this allows me the opportunity for a fresh install. Now, you are really bent on a good software solution for data backup, one program you might consider is called Genie-soft Backup Manager. I have been hearing some great things about it and the reviews I have read all seem to reflect a quality product.

As for my location, I do happen to live in Bellingham. Have to say that I have yet to get out to Anacortes, but who knows what the future may bring? Hope this helps!

Do you have an IT-related question? Perhaps you are just burnt out on writing on the walls with crayons? Whatever the
comments may be, drop me a line, and you too can “Just Ask Matt!”