Windows XP Professional Backup Utility

The Windows Backup Utility can help create a copy of the information on a hard drive and copy it to a file or to a tape. In the event that the original data on the hard drive is accidentally erased or overwritten, or becomes inaccessible because of a hard drive malfunction, the copy can be used to restore lost or damaged data.

When data is backed up to a file, a file name and a location for the file to be saved must be designated. Windows Backup Utility files usually have the extension .bkf, but it can be changed to any extension. A Windows Backup Utility file can be saved to a hard drive, a floppy disk, or to any other removable or non-removable media on which files can be saved.

When data is backed up to a tape, a tape device must be connected to the computer. Tapes are managed by Removable Storage. Although the Windows Backup Utility works together with Removable Storage, Removable Storage might have to be used to perform certain maintenance tasks, such as preparing and ejecting tapes.

To successfully back up and restore data in Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional, the appropriate user rights and permissions are required, as described in the following list:

  • All users can back up their own files and folders. They can also back up files for which they have the Read permission.
  • All users can restore files and folders for which they have the Write permission.
  • Members of the Administrators, Backup Operators, and Server Operators (if joined to a domain) can back up and restore all files (regardless of the assigned permissions). By default, members of these groups have the Backup Files and Directories and Restore Files and Directories user rights.


The Windows Backup Utility provides five backup types: normal, copy, differential, incremental, and daily. More information is available regarding the backup types.

To start the Windows Backup Utility, follow these steps:

  • Open Backup.

    • From the Windows XP default Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Backup.
    • From the Windows XP classic Start menu, point to Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Backup.

  • The Backup or Restore Wizard starts.