Tips 52-Windows backup - Back Up Critical System Files

Several of the tips here require modifying the Registry. Be very careful! Tampering with system files can cause problems if not done properly. To be safe, back up the Registry and other critical files before making any changes.

Microsoft makes this easy. Just select Start and click Programs in Win Me or All Programs in Win XP. Select Accessories and System Tools and System Restore. Choose Create a restore point and Next. Give the restore point a description, and press Next in Win Me or Create in Win XP.

If your system develops any problems and you can still get into Windows, follow these steps to get back to System Restore, and choose Restore my computer to an earlier time. If Windows will not boot, press F8 as soon as the operating system starts trying to load. If you're running Win Me, boot to Safe Mode and run System Restore. In Windows XP, you can use Safe Mode or choose Last Known Good Configuration

See also

Tips 1- Make Sure You Have the Latest update
Tips 2- Choose a File System
Tips 3- Find the Extras on the Windows XP Discs
Tips 4- Add (or Delete) Standard Desktop Icons
Tips 5- Get rid of Animated Dog
Tips 6- Tweak UI: The Must-have Tool
Tips 7- Create Your Own Toolbars
Tips 8- Eliminate Balloon Tips in the Notification Area
Tips 9- Remove Hidden Windows Components
Tips 10- Disable Error Reporting to Microsoft
Tips 11- Customize the Send To Menu
Tips 12- Enable Auto-complete in the Command Prompt
Tips 13- Add the Address Toolbar to the Taskbar
Tips 14- Search Better and Faster with Indexing
Tips 15- Organize Your Start Menu
Tips 16- The Desktop Cleanup Wizard
Tips 17- Use the Keyboard
Tips 18- Rename Multiple Files
Tips 19- Use Shortcut Keys to Launch Your Applications
Tips 20- Cool Hidden Extras
Tips 21- Private Character Editor (Eudcedit)
Tips 22- IExpress 2.0 (Iexpress)
Tips 23- Windows Media Player 6.4 (Mplayer2)
Tips 24- Keep Your Start Menu to Yourself
Tips 25- Avoid Simple File Sharing
Tips 26- Protect Your Password
Tips 27- Protect Your Accounts
Tips 28- Set Up Ownership on Hard Drives
Tips 29- Add a Subfolder in the Start Menu Visible to All Users
Tips 30- Media Player Shortcut Keys
Tips 31- Save Passwords
Tips 32- Clear Your Passwords
Tips 33- Internet explorer Shortcuts
Tips 34- Internet Connection Firewall
Tips 35- Automatic Wireless Device Configuration
Tips 36- Use the Hosts, Luke!
Tips 37- Find your IP address
Tips 38- Double Your Desktop
Tips 39- Maximize Battery Life
Tips 40- Juggle Wi -Fi At Work And Home
Tips 41- Optimize Remote Desktop
Tips 42- Using Infra Red In XP
Tips 43- Reduce Overhead By Setting Services to Manual
Tips 44- Don't Reactivate After Reinstalling
Tips 45- Reboot Without Launching Programs In The Startup Folder
Tips 46- Keep Windows Up To Date
Tips 47- Clean Up The Add/Remove Box
Tips 48- Roll Back Drivers
Tips 49- Check Event Logs
Tips 50- Clear The Prefetch
Tips 51- Protect Your Data
Tips 52- Back Up Critical System Files