Create a Recovery Disk in Windows XP

Overview

The time to think about recovering your computer from a crash is now and not after your system has crashed. One of the first things any computer user should do as soon as they purchase a new computer is to create a recovery disk and put it away for safekeeping. A recovery disk will make it possible for you to recover from a computer crash far more easily than any other means possible. Luckily, this is a process that even a novice computer user can complete.

A recovered computer.

• Step 1

  Access the Windows backup program. While some computer companies include their own recovery disk creation program, all computers using Windows XP have one included from Microsoft. To access this program click on "Start", "All programs", "Accessories", "System Tools" and "Back up." This will start a program wizard.

• Step 2

  When the wizard requests that you insert a blank CD-ROM into the CD or DVD drive, do so. Depending on the configuration of your individual computer system, you may need more than one disk.

• Step 3

  Be certain to properly label the disks. In the event of a computer crash you will need to insert these disks into the CD-ROM drive in the order that the recovery program requests. After completion of the disk creation process, store the disks in a safe location for later use.