Backing Up Data
This article is part of Windows Vista Backup Strategies For Home Users

   Data in this context includes everything that isn't actually installed in Vista. This can be pictures, music, email, documents, downloaded programs, etc. I'll first show you how to do this from within Vista's built-in backup. Then move on to a couple of other programs that are better options.

Windows Vista Backup And Restore Center

Back up and restore: frequently asked questions

To access the Backup And Restore Center open Control Panel (Start > Settings > Control Panel). In the standard view click on the System and Maintenance button and then click Backup and Restore Center. From the classic view you can just choose Backup and Restore Center.  Now click on the Back up files.

Choose your backup location. It cannot be the same partition that you are backing up from.

Choose what disks / partitions you wish to backup data from.

What types of files do you want to back up?

These files are NOT included in backup:

-Files that have been encrypted using Encrypting File System (EFS)
-System files
-Program files
-Files stored on hard disks that are formatted using the FAT file system
-Web-based e-mail that is not stored on your hard disk
-Files that are in the Recycle Bin
-Temporary files
-User profile settings

Now you have to set a schedule. Then click Save settings and start backup.

Shadow Copies

Shadow Copy is Microsoft's fancy name for backup copies. These are previous versions of existing files.

You must have System Restore enabled for this to work (it is enabled by default).

Vista Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise users can access previous versions of files or entire folders directly from that files or folders Properties. Right-click on a file > choose Properties > click on the Previous Versions tab. Below is a screen shot of the Previous Versions for a picture I edited.

   Microsoft states that Shadow Copies are only "available in the Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise editions of Windows Vista." Eh, I reckon that was their intention but...

   I said before that Shadow Copy was a part of System Restore. If you are using Vista Home Premium or Basic the Shadow Copies are there, you just can't access them. Wasn't that nice of Microsoft, using your disk space for copies you can't access unless you fork over more money to upgrade to a version that can access Shadow Copies???

Enter the free program ShadowExplorer:

ShadowExplorer allows you to browse the shadow copies created by the Windows Vista Volume Shadow Copy Service. It's especially thought for users of the home editions, who don't have access to the shadow copies by default, but it's also useful for users of the other editions.
Shadow Copy
From time to time, Windows Vista creates point-in-time copies of your files. This allows you to retrieve older versions from files you accidentally deleted or altered. This service is turned on by default on all versions of Windows Vista, but Microsoft grants access to these copies only in Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise editions. This is where ShadowExplorer comes into play.
ShadowExplorer
Since the Volume Shadow Copy Service is included, and turned on by default, in all editions of Windows Vista, why not take advantage of it? All it takes is an additional tool like ShadowExplorer, that can access the shadow storage and make the point-in-time copies accessible to the user.

Check out the ShadowExplorer home page for more info, screen shots, and online manual.

Did I mention it was free?!

Windows Vista Backup Strategies For Home Users Article Index

I. Main Page    A. Introduction    B. The Basics    C. Links II. Partitioning And Organizing Your Files    A. Move Your Documents Folder    B. Partitioning using Vista’s Built-In Tool    C. Partitioning using Acronis Disk Director III. Creating Disk Images    A. Vista's Windows Complete PC Backup And Restore    B. Acronis True Image IV. Backing Up And Restoring Parts Of The System    A. Windows Vista System Restore    B. Driver Rollback    C. Passwords and Software Keys V. Backing Up Data - Vista's Built-In Tools    A. Windows Vista Backup And Restore Center    B. Shadow Copies VI. Backing Up Data - 3rd Party Tools    A. SyncToy v2.0 Beta    B. Second Copy 7 VI. Program Specific Backups    A. Outlook    B. Thunderbird    C. Internet Explorer & Firefox favorites