I have Windows XP home, do I need Windows backup utility to use WD Mybook partable hard drive?

Question

I have Windows XP home, do I need Windows backup utility to use WD Mybook partable hard drive?

Answer 1

Not sure what the question is. If you are asking how to back up to a portable hard drive, you don't need Windows backup, although it will work. Otherwise you can go to Windows Explorer and click on each folder you want to back up, holding down for multiple files. Then right click and click "Send To" and click on your external hard drive, probably E:

A program I use extensively is "Beyond Compare", which, I beleive is free (or at least inexpensive). This wonderful software compares the folders on two different hard drives and can then update one from the other with just the differences. You can set up standard "jobs", such as C: Personal Photos to E: Personal Photos, so with a couple of clicks you can sync that pair of files.

I have jobs set up to back up my music, correspondence, spreadsheets, legal files, web sites and so on. They can all be done in seconds

Answer 2

yes back up using windows backup as it is standard in the Western Digital My Book,,,it is better and

reliable



Note something before backup



* Connect a drive (such as a Zip drive or other removable media, a tape drive or a second hard disk drive) that can hold the information you want to back up.

* STEP 2: Open the Start menu and select Programs.

* STEP 3: In the submenu that appears, click Accessories, then System Tools.

* STEP 4: Click Backup to run Microsoft's Backup program.

* STEP 5: For the easiest backup, answer the questions presented to you by the Backup Wizard. (The wizard will ask you what you want to back up, where you want to store the backup, if you want the data to be verified and/or compressed, and what you want to name the backup.)

* STEP 6: Click Next after you answer each question.

* STEP 7: Click Start to commence the backup.



Tips & Warnings



* You can also close the wizard and configure a backup job on your own. See the Help menu at the top of the Backup window for complete information on customizing a backup job or scheduling automatic backups.

* If you don't have a large-capacity removable drive, such as a Zip drive, you will have to save a limited number of critical files and not your entire hard disk. You can also back up files to a network drive or as a single file on your current drive. In general, back up your documents before your programs if you have the disks the programs came on. You can always reinstall the programs from the disks.

* CD-RW drives are great for backups, but they usually come with their own backup programs.

* To restore a disk from a backup, open the Tools menu in the Backup utility and select Restore Wizard.

* Stand on uncarpeted flooring to reduce static electricity. Touch as little as possible inside your machine and especially avoid touching chips. Static damage, and even oil from fingertips, may cause a failure months later.

* Label any cards or internal components you remove to access RAM sockets so that you'll replace them in their proper places when you are finished.

* Some recent stub-chassis computers built by Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and others have little or no work space inside. Some units require removing the hard drive and power supply to access the RAM. Do not attempt to do this yourself.

* If your computer is under the manufacturer's warranty, modifying the product usually voids that warranty.

Answer 3

No. Absolutely not. Just plug it in and look in Windows Explorer for the new drive letter. Use it like any other disk.