Restore Files & Folders using Windows XP Backup Wizard

Restoring Your Files & Folders

You can use this procedure to recover from hard disk failure, recover individual files or to transfer all your files to a new computer or hard disk.

In order to restore your files after a hard disk failure, you must have a current backup of your important data. You can then use Windows Backup to restore your files by following these instructions after you have reinstalled the Operating System and associated software.

STEP 1:

Select Backup from "Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools" This will open a Wizard screen and at this point we need to "Restore files and settings" so as to select the files or folders that we want to restore. Click OK.

STEP 2A:

In the next screen we can choose what files or folders that we want to restore OR we can select the entire backup for rstoration. By clicking on the [+] box next to File in the "Items to restore" pane on the left hand side we can select the backup set we require. Also if you have multiple backups of the same set, we can select the date and time that the backup was created.

In example "A" we have choosen to restore the entire backup that was created on the 13th May 2002 at 3.18PM.

EXAMPLE "A"

STEP 2B:

In example "B" we have expanded the backup set out and have selected to restore the folder "Images" only. Again note that the tick is Blue against the "Images" folder indicating that ALL files/folders beneath it are selected. The Grey ticks indicated that only SOME files/folders are selected.

EXAMPLE "B"

EXAMPLE "C"

STEP 2C:

In example "C" we have choosen to restore one file only - img001.jpg (double click on the folder in the right hand pane). Click NEXT to proceed.

STEP 3:

The next screen displays a summary of our restoration settings. At this point you can click FINISH to commence the restoration or you can click on the "Advanced" button for more restoration options.

Click here for instructions  about "Advanced" options if required or click FINISH to commence your restoration.

STEP 4:

The following screen wil give the status of the restore progress. Windows XP will create a restore point before restoring files to your computer.

Sample of Report Log

FINAL STEP:

If any errors are encountered you can click on the REPORT button for a detailed summary, otherwise click CLOSE.

That is it - you have successfully restored from a back up.