Basic Steps to Installing XP Safely

Step 1 - A fresh install of Windows XP with Service Pack 2

While this is an optional step we highly recommend it. This is especially true if you've not installed SP2 or upgraded SP2 over an old installation. There isn't any better way to get rid of viruses and spyware than a format and clean install. Do not connect to the Internet while installing your operating system. This means disconnecting the cable on the back of your computer that connects you to the Internet (Ethernet, phone line, USB, Firewire, etc.) Install all your protective software before attempting to connect to Microsoft's Windows Update site. Download the most current versions of all your protective software before you reinstall your operating system, so they can be installed before you attempt a first connection.

Step 2 - Backup!

Backing up XP:

Backups are critical to computing these days. Backing up your computer can prevent disaster and restore settings in a matter of a few minutes. You should backup the drive/partition that contains Windows XP:

• After your initial installation.
• Before installing XP updates, major applications, or applications of "questionable parentage" and major updates to them.
• Before making major adjustments to XP. (network settings, tweaking, etc.)

The only backup that will truly restore a drive or partition is one that "images" your drives. That is, it makes a byte-by-byte copy of your drive/partition. "Imaging" is the best option for the partition that holds Windows XP. You can choose to backup images to another partition, hard drive, CD/DVD, or another computer. Examples of these programs are Acronis True Image and Norton Ghost.

Backing up other data:

It isn't necessary to do an image backup for data. You can choose other methods for backing up pictures, music, video, documents, etc. It is often advisable to use multiple backup methods! For a guide on  the basics of backing up see TweakHound's Windows XP Backup Strategies for Home Users.

• Burn to CD or DVD - You can use any CD/DVD burning program to backup data. Remember to update these often. If that data is really important to you, consider storing that data at a separate location in case disaster strikes. A trusted family member's house or a safe deposit box are good locations.
• Backup to another hard drive - You can back your data up to another hard drive in your computer. This keeps the data safe in case the first hard drive goes bad. Using "Copy" and "Paste" or "Copy To Folder" isn't the best method for doing this, especially with large amounts of data. A good backup program will check the files you've copied after the job is done to make sure everything was copied and copied correctly. These programs often have the ability to schedule backups and backup only information that has changed. Examples of these programs are Second Copy 2000, Backup My PC, and Backup Pro 2004. An excellent freeware alternative is Karen's Replicator.
• Backup to another computer - Some backup programs have the ability to back up data to another computer. If you have several computers in the house, consider making one computer a secondary backup location for the other computers in the house.