We have lots of important files or data that are stored in our computer or laptops. Now, imagine them being deleted accidentally because of some viruses or other factors.

That would be really a lot of trouble especially when those important files are connected with your daily life activities.

To help us from encountering this kind of problem, this article will tackle about file backup and transfer from a Windows-based computer.

What are the possible locations for data backup or transfer?

Some are using the removable media such as external hard disks, CDs, DVDs or flash drives like USB memory cards.

Take note that you should not back up your files to a recovery partition or hard disk where Windows is installed. Store it in a much safer or secure locations to prevent unauthorized access. Encrypting the data will do.

Backup or Transfer Data or Files

In a Windows 7-based Computer:

  • Transfer files to another Windows 7 computer.

Steps:

Click ‘Start’. Type in ‘Windows easy Transfer’ in the start search box. After, click the ‘Windows Easy Transfer’ in the programs list shown, and follow the instructions to complete file transfer.

  • Transfer files and settings to Windows Vista (use the Windows Vista version of easy transfer)

Steps:

On a Windows 7-based computer, insert the Windows Vista CD or DVD. Exit the Windows Vista setup program. Click ‘Start’ and then click ‘Computer’ and right-click CD/DVD drive and ‘Open’.

Open the ‘Support Folder’ and then the ‘migwiz’ folder. Double click ‘migwiz.exe’ file then follow the instructions to begin the transfer from Windows 7.

  • Backup current data as a safety precaution (Backup and Restore Center)

Note: this can only be restored by a Windows 7 Operating system.

Steps:

  1. Click ‘Start’ and in the search box, type in ‘Backup’.
  2. Click ‘Backup and Restore’ in the programs list. (If prompted, be sure to close any open programs before continuing).
  3. Under the Backup and Restore settings, click ‘Set up Backup’.
  4. Select where you want to save your backup files, then click ‘Next’.
  5. Select either: ‘Let windows choose’ or ‘Let me choose’, then click ‘Next’.
  6. Make the appropriate selection then click ‘Next’ or ‘Save settings’ and run backup.
  7. Backup will then save to the backup location.

In a Windows Vista-based Computer:

  • Transfer files and settings to another Windows Vista-based computer.

Steps:

  1. Click ‘Start’ and type in search box ‘transfer’.
  2. Click the ‘Windows Easy Transfer’ in the programs list.
  3. Click ‘Next’. (Close any opened programs before continuing)
  4. Click ‘Start a New Transfer’, and then ‘My Old Computer’.
  5. Click on ‘Use a CD, DVD or removable media’ and then select how you want to transfer your files.
  6. Select location (password is optional), then ‘Next’.
  7. Select the files you want to transfer and then review files to transfer before proceeding.
  8. Then click ‘Next’ or ‘Transfer’ and follow remaining instructions stated in transferring.
  • Backup current data as a safety precaution (Windows Vista backup and Restore Center)

Note: can only be restored on a Windows Vista Operating System.

Steps:

  1. Click ‘Start’ and type in Search box ‘Backup’, and then click in the program list.
  2. Backup files under ‘Backup Files or your Entire Computer’.
  3. Select desired location for the file backup, and then click ‘Next’.
  4. Select the disk or disks you want to backup, and then click ‘Next’.
  5. Select the file type or types you want to backup, and then click ‘Next’.
  6. Click ‘Save Settings’ and then ‘Start Backup’.
  7. It will then automatically save to desired selected backup location.

In a Windows XP or Windows Server 2003-based Computer:

  • Transfer files and settings from Windows XP (Windows XP files and Settings Transfer Wizard)

Steps:

  1. Click ‘Start’ and then click ‘All Programs’ and then ‘Accessories’, then ‘System Tools’ and then ‘Files and Settings Transfer Wizard’.
  2. Click ‘Next’ and then click ‘Old Computer’ and then ‘Next’.
  3. Select how you want to transfer your files. The ‘Others’ is saving the files to a network or removable media location.
  4. Select files you want to backup and then click ‘Next’.

With regards to manually making a copy of files (to a network location or removable media), the same goes for all the Windows-based Computers:

Steps:

  1. Click ‘Start’. In the ‘Computer’ double-click the drive where you currently have the Windows installed.
  2. Open ‘User’s Folder’, and then open the user folder from which you want to backup the files.
  3. Copy necessary folders to a network or removable media. (to backup data for all users, repeat 2 and 3).
  4. The saved files can be copied to any computer. However, you must have related application to open the files.

This will then help you secure and save your backup files from possible accident deletes.