After reading these step-by-step directions you may want to read Microsoft’s Backup F.A.Q.
1. Click on your Start button.
2. Click “All Programs” -> “Maintenance” -> “Backup and Restore Center”
The Backup and Restore Center will open. You will see a screen like below.
3. Click on the “Backup Files” button.
Next you will receive a screen asking you where you will want to save your backup. You can save your information to either a second hard drive, a set of DVD-R/CD-R or a network drive. Vista does not allow you to save your backup to the same drive for which you are backing up from. Vista also does not allow you to save to a network drive that is hosted on a Windows XP Home Edition computer. Last we need to mention that you cannot backup to a flash drive.
4. Choose where you want to save your backup. Click “Next”.
The next screen will prompt you for what type of files you would like to backup. For most users the default settings will be suffice.
5. Choose what files you want to backup. Click “Next”.
This screen will ask you how often to perform a backup. Your computer will have to be on for the backup to take place but according to Microsoft’s FAQ the backup will try to run after you turn your computer back on.
6. Choose how often to run an automatic backup. Click “Save Settings and Start Backup”. Sit back and wait for your backup to complete.
Your backup will now run automatically. Please read Microsoft’s Backup and Restore F.A.Q. for more information.
