Backing Up Your Data in Windows XP

If you haven't backed up your important data atempty CD you want to burn. Now take your mouse
least to a CD, you should do so IMMEDIATELY! Apointer and place it on the top blue border of this
computer, any computer, can crash at any time,box. Press and hold (don't click) with your left mouse
whether it's a new computer, an old computer, abutton, and drag the box down into the lower
really expensive computer, or a cheapy.This article willrighthand corner of your screen.4. Locate your My
teach you how to back up your My DocumentsDocuments folder on the desktop. If this folder isn't
folder on a CD, since the My Documents folder ison the desktop, you should put it there for
where people usually keep most of their importantconvenience sake. See the tip How to Put a Shortcut
stuff. I only discuss the method for Windows XPon your Desktop.5. Now simply press on the folder
here, because methods for other operating systemswith your left mouse button and drag the folder onto
tend to vary.(By the way, you need a CD burner (orthe empty box representing your CD in the lower
CD-RW) to do this. If you're not sure if you haveright corner. You should see the contents of your
one, look at your CD drive(s) and see if you seefolder being copied over. If you get a box asking if
"rewritable" written in tiny tiny letters. If so, you canyou want to copy "Thumbs" files, you can say "Yes"
burn CDs. If not, well you might want to think aboutor "Skip." It's your choice. These files aren't important,
getting a CD burner installed in your computer.1. Opentrust me. You can also check the box to repeat your
your CD burner. There's usually a button on theanswer for each of these files to save time.6. When
outside you can press to open it. Place the CD in thethe folder is completely copied to your CD box, clik
burner. The side you will burn onto should be faceon "Write these Files to CD" on the lefthand side of
down. Close the burner, again using the same buttonthe box. A "wizard" pops up.7. Click Next in the
you used to open it.2. Wait a minute. A box shouldwizard (ignore the CD name and date underneath)
pop up on your screen with a variety of choices.Wait for the CD to burn. You'll see a green line
Click once on the choice that says "Open Writableprogress across the screen.8. When the CD is done,
CD Folder Using Windows Explorer." (There's a pictureit should pop out of its drive, and you can click on
of a manilla folder next to it.) Your choice should turnFinish in the wizard. Label your CD with a Sharpie or
blue. Click OK.3. A box opens up representing theother felt-tip pen, and you're all backed up!