Before Formatting BACK-UP!!
1.“My Documents” folder
2.E-Mail (Create PST file using MS Outlook)
•On the File menu, click Import and Export.
•Click Export to a file, and then click Next.
•In the list, click Personal Folder File (.pst), and then click Next.
•Click the folder that contains the messages you want to back up. If the folder contains a subfolder that you want to include, select the Include Subfolders check box, and then click Next.
•Under Save exported file as, click Browse, and then specify a name and location for your backup file, for example, Mail Backup.
•If you back up a .pst file that you have backed up to before, click one of the following:
•Replace duplicates with items exported Existing data will be overwritten with the information in the file being exported.
•Allow duplicate items to be created Existing data will not be overwritten, and duplicate information will be added to the backup file.
•Do not export duplicate items Existing data will be kept, and the duplicate information in the folder will not be copied to the backup file.
•Click Finish.
3.Contacts
•On the File menu, click Import and Export.
•Click Export to a file, and then click Next.
•In the Create a file of type list, click Personal Folder File (.pst), and then click Next.
•In the Select a folder to export from list, click Contacts.
•If you have subfolders below the Contacts folder that you want to include, select the Include subfolders check box.
•Click Next.
•Click Browse, choose a location for the file, such as My Documents, and then type a name for your backup file, such as ContactsBackup.pst.
•Click OK.
•Click Finish.
•In the Name box, type My Contacts Backup.
•Type the encryption and password settings if you need them, and then click OK.
4.Anything downloaded/saved to desktop
5.Favorites Folder (C:\Documents and Settings\User Name)
I have found yet an easier way to BACK UP
Create a second “User” (if able to) Allow second user have administrator rights
Login as second user
Go to “C:\Documents and Settings\First Users Name”
Right click over First User Name
Save to CD or Second Partition (if available)
Note: Double check SIZE of any folder, for reassurance folder will fit on cd
.Format Windows XP
1.Set windows boot sequence to have CDROM to boot first at DOS (set in BIOS)
2.Shut down with Windows XP in CDROM
3.Restart (Watch screen for “ Press any to boot from CD” pay attention you only have 10 seconds)
4.Let CD run
5.“Windows setup screen” Press “Enter” to continue. DO NOT press “R” for repair or “F3” for quit.
6.“Windows Licensing Agreement” Screen – Select F8 to agree
7.Installation Screen Press “ESC” for don’t repair
8.Delete Partition screen – do not delete all existing partitions, C:\ drive only (first partition)
Keep in mind that after formatting, Windows setup will automatically begin. (Let CD run)
Creating a second partion may be a good idea. If you ever have to reformat or reload the OS, you will not have to worry about your data. As long as you save your files to the second partition.
After formatting here are some suggested settings
1. Schedule live updates/virus scans
2. WinXP Pro Only: Set permissions using “REGEDT32”
3. Add Users: “Control Panel” User Accounts – Advanced Tab – Advanced Button - Double Click “Users” - Add Button - Type in User Name – Login as That User Name.
4. Set local group permissions: “Control Panel” User Accounts – Advanced Tab – Advanced Button - Double Click “Groups” – Double Click “Administrators” Add Button