How to Back Up Your Data Using Windows XP Built in CD Burner

It is very important to back up your data on a regular basis, especially data stored on your hard drive. Backing up your data to CD is a very easy and cost effective method. Most campus computers are equipped with a CD burner and CD burning capabilities built in to Windows XP. This document contains instructions for backing up your data to CD using Windows XP. If you need assistance, please contact the Help Desk at 832-1720. 1. Insert a blank CD-R in to the CD burner drive on your computer. Blank CD-R discs can be purchased from any office supply store or ordered through CCSUs office supply vendor. Make sure the CD-R you are using is brand new (NOTE: One way to check if a CD has been used is to hold the bottom side of the CD to the
light and look for a burnt ring. If there is a ring around the CD in the middle, it has already been used. The ring closest to the center and near the edge does not count as a burnt ring).

2. Click on Start, then My Computer 3. From the My Computer window, double-click the drive (for example, your C: or D: drive) containing the files and/or folders you want to burn on to the CD. 4. Click on Start, then My Computer again to open a second My Computer window and double-click your CD burner drive.

5. Drag and drop the files and/or folders you would like to back up from the drive window into the CD burner window.

6. After copying all the files and/or folders you want to back up into the CD burner window, go back to the My Computer window, then right-click on the CD burner drive and click on Write these files to CD.

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How to Back Up Your Data Using Windows XP Built in CD Burner

7. The CD Writing Wizard will open. Enter a name for your CD or leave its default name (usually the current date), then click Next.

8. Do not select the option to Make a HighMAT-compatible CD; click Next.

9. The CD burner drive will start writing files to the CD-R disc. When finished, the CD burner drive door will open automatically for you to remove the disc. Click Finish to close the CD Writing Wizard. Be sure to label the outside of the CD using a CD label or permanent marker so that you can easily identify its contents later.

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