On occasion, you may need to re-install Windows XP because a system has become ‘unhealthy’ due to malicious software (e.g. viruses) or just general cluttering. For the last decade, I have, on an annual basis (at least), had to backup files from my Windows drive, save them elsewhere, re-install Windows and then put the files back in Windows.
It’s not enough, it would seem, to backup up the ‘My Documents’ folder, only to find that later, you’re missing those vital Microsoft Word templates. I’ve developed a guide to this procedure for the following reasons…
- This process can be risky because of the potential for data loss by not capturing all the files you should have backed up.
- The process of searching through folders for potentially needed files (often involves finding out what file extensions mean) is tedious. The guide contains common file locations so you just need to worry about those folders.
- This process is time-consuming, therefore some step by step instructions (removing the need to re-think) should help speed things up for now and any subsequent times.
I don’t claim this procedure to be a definitive guide and I make no assumptions bout your level of knowledge or expertise. It’s a work-in-progress and I will gratefully up-date it with any suggestions I receive.
First things first
Don’t assume that everything will go to plan. Hopefully, by reading this guide you will be more prepared for the process. If this is an emergency Windows re-install, you probably need to get going asap. If however, this is to improve system performance etc: Make sure you set time aside, make sure you have access to another PC if required whilst your first is out of action and don’t do this before a project deadline – the process may run over.
- STEP 01 Run a disk cleanup utility such as the Windows utility Disk Cleanup commonly found in Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup to delete unnecessary data.
- STEP 02 Run a full system anti-virus scan to remove viruses etc. You don’t want to be backing up, and then subsequently restoring, malicious software.
Now, take a deep breath, relax because you will miss things if stressed and have a think about what files are important to you and what you will need to backup. Okay, onward…
The ideal: Backing-Up folders
The ideal way to handle this whole procedure is to take a backup of all the files on the partition where Windows is installed (and will ultimately be overwritten). Then you can retrieve files from your backup as when required, from your newly installed Windows. There are two issues with this approach:
- You may not have the storage space for a full partition backup. At the time of writing, the data on my Windows partition is 40GB in size.
- It may be time-consuming for you to trawl through your backed up files and folders, from the ‘new’ Windows, looking for that that MS Word template.
Depending on available storage space, however, I do often copy the following folders:
- STEP 03 C:\Documents and Settings\<any relevant user folder>
A lot of a Windows user’s data is stored under their username in this folder. The folders can get big so before you copy them, you can delete some of the bigger folders within that you don’t need to reduce their overall sizes.
- STEP 04 C:\Windows\Fonts
As a designer, I keep an extensive catalogue of fonts and install new ones all the time. I like to make sure I’ve got all the fonts I could have used in previous projects.
Backing up your obvious files
Your ‘My Documents folder is, by default, found at
C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\<your username>’s Documents\.
If you performed step 3, then you’ve copied that folder already. If you didn’t perform step 3 or the location is different, you will need to find the folder. If you dump files in random places (e.g. all over your desktop or in some random folder you’ve made in C:\) group the files together in one place e.g. in the ‘My Documents’ folder.
- STEP 05 Find all your obvious files and folders and back them up e.g. ‘My Documents’.
Backing up Applications
There is no hard and fast rule as to where the software on your PC may store its data. This data can consist of, for example: documents saved, configuration files, profile files, temporary downloaded files… the list is endless.
- STEP 06 Take a screenshot of applications in your Start Menu (or copy the Start Menu folders) so you will know what to re-install ready for use on the ‘new’ Windows. Also see what applications are listed in C:\Program Files\ as well.
Backing up Application Data
- STEP 07 Backup individual application data using the chart below of common applications and common data that may need backing up. Typically, you will lose application configuration settings.
| Application | Data possibly required | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Mozilla Firefox | Bookmarks | Use the ‘Organise Bookmarks’ feature in the Bookmarks menu to export bookmarks as a HTML or .json file |
| Mozilla Firefox | Add-Ons | Go to Tools > Add-ons to see what useful add-ons you’ve been using. Take screenshots so you can re-install these. |
| Mozilla Firefox | Downloads | Find the folder where your downloads head to and copy any files you require from there. |
| Mozilla Firefox | Certificates | You may need to backup security (encryption) certificates. |
| Mozilla Firefox | You will typically lose any passwords saved in Firefox, browsing history, cookies. | |
| Remote Desktop Connection | Any URLs cached | Copy any cached URLs used in the RDP app |
| Microsoft Outlook | PST Files | Backup the PST files found in: C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook |
| NewsGator FeedDemon | Feed List | Export the list of feeds from menu File > Export Feeds… |
| Google Earth | KMZ Files | In the menu on the left, right-click on the folders etc. and save as *.kmz files |
| Lockcrypt | Backup Database | If using a text file, find the *.ice file and copy it to the backup location |
| Microsoft OneNote | Unfiled Notes | Right-click on the OneNote taskbar icon and open OneNote and then go File > Save as |
| uTorrent | Downloads | Be sure to get a copy of your uTorrent downloads and any .torrent files |
| Windows Media Player | Licenses | Are there any file licenses that need backing up? You may not be able to play DRM-files without the backed up license. |
| Windows Media Player | Library | Do you have an extensive media library catalogue that needs backing up? |
When you have finished backing up your data; double-check, triple-check that you’ve got what you need. Have a look through the Start Menu and the folder C:\Program Files\ as well.
Backing Up Windows Components
- STEP08 Now you want to backup the settings particular to Windows…
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Security Certificates | If you use any encryption certificates for emails, websites and using NTFS encryption. |
| Device Drivers | Be familiar with the hardware in Device Manager and copy any necessary driver files. |
| Display Settings | Be familiar with your display settings (resolution, refresh rate) and if custom, copy your wallpaper/themes so that you can preserve the look and feel of your current windows. |
| Firewall | Familiarise yourself with any firewall settings e.g. port forwarding |
| Anti-Virus | Be familiar with any AV settings e.g. files/folders ignored |
| Networking | Are there any proxies/passwords/WEP keys you need to remember? Does the PC have a DHCP assigned IP? Subnet/gateway… |
| Shortcuts/Mapped Drives | Any shortcuts in the file system that are useful? Any network resources mapped as drives? |