How to use Windows 2000: Backing Up Your Files -- Before You Begin

Before you Begin Open the Backup Utility Select Files and Folders Add Important Files (Optional) Make your First Backup Job Make a Weekly Backup Restore Your Backup Archive   Using the Backup Utility Windows 2000 comes with a Backup Utility to help you make secondary backup copies of your files. Normally you will copy the backup files to a removable media source, such as a Zip disk or a rewritable CD. The Backup Utility compresses all of your folders and files into one single file on the backup media, allowing you to save even more data than normal on a Zip disk or CD. This file is usually called your backup archive. When you make your first backup, you will select the files that you want to save, then select where you will store your archive. After making these choices, the Backup Utility allows you to save your preferences as a backup job, so that subsequent backups are easily generated by restoring your last set of choices.  You can re-open the backup job to quickly run a backup each week. The Backup Utility can also be used to restore your archive.

A) Rights and Privileges - You must log in to Windows 2000 with Administrator privileges to make backups. If you are unsure of your account status, you can check by selecting:  START-SETTINGS-CONTROL PANEL-USERS AND PASSWORDS Review the list of users to see if you are a member of the Group=Administrators If you need more information on Administrator user accounts, please see Creating Windows User Accounts B) Organize - Before backing up, organize your files by placing them under a single folder. Try to store ALL of your files under a directory on your C drive such as "My Documents" or "C:\MYDOCS". Backups will be MUCH easier if you place your files under one location. C) Keep extra copies of your backup archive - Keep at least two backup archive files. One copy should be kept in a safe place in the office, and another copy should be stored at an off-site location. You will be better protected in the case of fire, flood, or theft. D) Make scheduled backups - We recommend that you backup your files once a week. The end of the day is best so that you can bring a copy home. It is also smart to backup after the completion of a critical document or project. If you manage websites or databases, you should always backup prior to making major updates or changes.   Go to Step 2, Open The Backup Utility