Question

Is using Files and Settings Transfer Wizard an appropriate way to backup a system before an OS re-install?

Asked by: ericcoz

I recently had a relative who had a virus that could not be removed and I needed to reinstall his OS.  What I did was dump his data onto a flash drive using Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in XP.  In general, is this a good way to go about backing up someone's data before re-installing an OS?  Has anyone else used a better technique?  I realize that there might be other files to backup and I am happy to manually backup and restore those files by dumping them on the flash drive and then back onto the fresh OS install.  Is there anyone out there who has done a lot of OS re installs and could give me their technique as far as what to ask the customer and how to backup the previous data so that their new OS looks and feels like their old OS.

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Asked On
2008-09-09 at 10:59:12ID23716548
Topic

Windows XP Operating System

Participating Experts
1
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Answers

 

by: asian_niceguyPosted on 2008-09-09 at 21:48:05ID: 22435036

use the  files and settings if you want to keep the look and feel... ive had no issues when doing os reinstalls.. of course as you mention you need to do data backups from other folders outside of docs&settings..

when backing up.. i just ask what applications they use and backup the appropriate data...
e.g outlook - backup pst, ost files, remember which shortcuts were created, any mailboxes they access, nk2 files
 ie - backup favourites


since youve already formatted the pc.. there isnt much else you can do, but theoretically the user wont see any changes except for the programs that may be installed due to different versions

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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