(This is part VII of the series Windows XP Backup Utility – Everything You Need to Know.)
If you’ve decided you need to restore data because it has become corrupt, you accidentally deleted it, or you purchased a new computer and want to transfer the backed-up files to it, you can do so easily with the Restore utility in Backup.
You can also use the Restore utility if you’ve so seriously messed up your computer that you’ve had to reinstall everything! Restore can be run in Wizard mode or Advanced mode. Restoring in Wizard mode is the easiest, and
the wizard even goes to the trouble of locating the saved backups for you.
Tip: Don’t restore system state to a new computer. Your system state and Registry files are unique to your computer.
Follow these steps to restore from backup:
1. Open Backup and choose the Wizard mode. Although you can use Advanced mode or the Restore tab, this is easiest. Click Next to begin.
2. When prompted at the Backup Or Restore page, choose Restore Files And Settings. Click Next.
3. On the What To Restore page, locate the backup that you want to restore and click Next.
4. On the Completing The Backup Or Restore Wizard page, click Advanced. You can chose to restore the files to their original location, an alternate location, or a single folder. Click Next.
5. On the How To Restore page, choose how to restore the files. You can choose Leave Existing Files (Recommended), Replace Existing Files If They Are Older Than The Backup Files, or Replace Existing Files. In most instances, the first option is the best choice. Click Next.
6. On the Advanced Restore Options page, leave the defaults and click Next. Click Finish to begin the restoration.
Tip: When restoring to a new computer, you might choose to alter the default settings and restore the files to a single folder. This way you can place the files you’ve restored into the exact folders you’d like them to go in.