Backing Up Data and Profile Settings in Windows XP

by
 

Maria Wardian

MCP, MCDST

The following document shows step-by-step instructions for backing up any data and other important information that is typically stored within a user's profile. This information is useful if you need to completely rebuild your computer and then restore your previous settings. Also, if your profile gets corrupted, you could delete the profile and log on again to recreate a new profile with the same name. Your profile will be created by Windows XP by by making a copy of the default user’s profile. You could then restore your documents and other important data, such as Outlook .pst files, Internet Explorer favorites, custom dictionary, and customized settings by following the method described in this document.

Although you could use other tools to perform some of these tasks, this document shows you how you can manually backup your crucial files.

Show Hidden Files

• Before we begin, you need to make sure that hidden files are shown in Windows XP. Otherwise, you will not be able to locate several important folders and files listed in this document. Show all your hidden files by opening Windows Explorer and going to Tools, Folder Options, View tab. Under the Hidden files and folders section, it needs to look like the following:
  
  
   

IE Favorites:

• File, Import and Export, Next, Export Favorites, Next (three times to accept defaults), Finish

Data

• Move all your Data into one folder, e.g. C:\Data. Make sure it’s not in your profile, e.g. C:\Documents and Settings\username...

Outlook Express

• Backup all files from Outlook Express located here into C:\Data:
  C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{IDnumber}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
• Backup the Outlook Express Address Book from:
  C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Address
   

Outlook

• Backup your Outlook signatures from: C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\signatures
• Backup all your .pst files from:
  C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

Office Custom Dictionary

• Backup this file:
  C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Proof\custom.dic
   

Microsoft Word

• Backup any tweaks made to Word from:
  C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\templates

Desktop Shortcuts

• Take a screen shot (Alt + PrintScreen) of your Desktop so you are able to customize your desktop later in the same way it was before
   

Applications to Reinstall

• Make sure to create a list of programs that need to be reinstalled. As a best practice, do not install applications in their default location, e.g. C:\Program Files

In this article I have listed some of the common settings and data that can be backed up for a later restoration that's located within a user's profile. I may update this document at a future date as I discover additional components that should be included.

Last update: May 28, 2005

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