Back Up Your Data

 Back Up Your Data Before installing Windows Vista, you should back up your files, settings, and software applications. This is especially necessary when doing the clean install as it wipes out all your data. As discussed in the previous section, the upgrade in-place installation will keep your data but you should safeguard your information just in case you have problems.

You can manually round up your personal files and documents and put them on a separate hard drive, USB flash drive, CD, DVD, or other form of removable media. Or, you can use Windows Easy Transfer to assist in the backup process if you're using Windows 2000 or XP.

Windows Easy Transfer only backs up your files and settings, therefore you'll have to reinstall your applications after the Windows Vista installation. You should round up your installation disks or the download information and product keys before proceeding with the installation. To download Windows Easy Transfer, visit www.microsoft.com/downloads.

After being installed, the Windows Easy Transfer utility can be accessed from the Start menu Choose Start.

 Select Windows Easy Transfer.

Follow these basic steps when using Windows Easy Transfer to back up your files and settings:

1. After you open Windows Easy Transfer, you'll see the welcome screen that describes its functionality. Click Next to proceed.

2. You then need to choose and configure your desired transfer method by following the directions in the application and referring to the following:

• Use an Easy Transfer Cable: This method isn't practical for this situation as it transfers the data in real-time.

• Transfer directly, using a network connection: This method allows you to back up your data to another PC or network storage device. Then, after you install Windows Vista you can transfer the data back to the computer. The transfer speeds vary between the network connection types and your particular equipment and setup; however, you can typically achieve around 100Mbps for wired connections and 25Mbps for wireless connections.

 • Use a CD, DVD, or other removable media: This method involves backing up your data to a removable media and then loading the data back onto the computer after the Windows Vista installation. The transfer speeds vary depending upon the type of media you choose; however, they are typically faster than network connections.

3. After you choose and configure the transfer method, you need to specify what to back up by following the directions in the application and referring to the following:

• All User Accounts, Files, and Settings: Of course, this option transfers all user accounts, files, and settings, but keep in mind this doesn't include items outside of user account areas.

• My User Account, Files, and Settings Only: This option transfers the user account, files, and settings for the account you're logged into. Again, keep in mind this doesn't include items outside of user account areas.

• Advanced option: This option automatically selects to transfer all user accounts, files, and settings. However, you can modify exactly what is transferred and it allows you to add other files and folders that are not in the user account areas.

4. To begin the backup, click Transfer. After you install Windows Vista, you can restore your files and settings:

A. Copy or move the backup file, by default named SaveData.mig, to your computer.

B. Double-click on the backup file to open it.

C. Click Browse to browse to and select the backup file. If you created a password, enter it in the Password field.

D. Click Next.

E. Review the backup contents and click Transfer to begin.