What not to Backup 1

[nubie]

I understand that there are certain files in Windows that should not be backed up. Does anyone have a good practice for backing up files that will give a clean backup with no errors for files in use.

 

[paulovey]

Hi nubie,

You want to look at what you are backing up and how important is it to you. Data is invaulabe, as that cant be reinstalled.

If the worst happens and your machine does go T.U. you have to remember that you can always reinstall. But as for files you need to back up, the registry files are always good to back up

c:\windows\system\user.dat and system.dat

 

[Comtech]

You can backup everything except the recycle bin and the swap file (win386.swp).
I use a second HD to do this, but you could also burn an image to CD_RW if your windows folder will fit (most do).
I usually start with a fresh install, then get all my programs (necessary ones only), and settings fixed up, then burn a mirror image to CD-RW, then making a restore is painless.
If you're only backing up the minimum necessary, then the two .dat files mentioned above, in conjunction with win.ini, and system.ini are topmost. There are loads of other things you should backup as well, your Favorites (bookmarks) is one that many people forget. Cheers,
Jim
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