Must backup system files without using external device..help please

[ncs22]

Hello. I have Windows XP Home SP2. I am about to upgrade to SP3, but, before I do, it is suggested to backup my system to an external medium. Problem is, my optical drive (CD/DVD) is broken. My laptop is not in the best physical shape..so even external hard discs and USB flash drives are probably out of the question. Is there a way to backup my system without using any sort of external device? I have heard of a program called Paragon that can apparently help in this regard. Thanks..

[RyderOCZ]

I have installed SP3 on some 50 machines, not had it mess anything up. While it can happen, chances are very low.

If you have 0 external options, then any backup you do on what you already have would not be a backup at all, it would do you 0 good.

[ncs22]

Hi RyderOCZ..thanks so much for your lightning-fast response. So do you think I probably don't have to worry about backing up my system files prior to doing the SP3 update? That would simplify life for me a bit..thanks again.

[RyderOCZ]

As I said.. I have never backed anything up prior to installing.

As long as the system is stable, no issues here.

[ncs22]

Thanks RyderOCZ..I will go ahead and just do the SP3 install..If there is any problem at all, I will post it here...I will also post it here if everything goes well so that this thread can be closed. Thanks again..

[Nate_LapT]

also, I assume you are using a network to post this from that system, unless you are one of the .0005% that are still on dialup. setup a share and just throw all your important files on that share.

[ncs22]

Hi..I was reading the requirements before installing Windows XP sp3, and one of them said "If you have a 3rd-party wireless network adapter, make sure that it is supported." My wireless network adapter is Intel PRO/Wireless 2200bg Network Connection. Will this be supported by SP3? I don't want to have trouble connecting to the internet after the upgrade...thanks.

[Thrax]

Anything that works now will work on SP3.

[Nate_LapT]

in general backups are good to have, I think your stressing over the sp3 update a bit too much though.
You should be stressing over your lack of ever backing up a bit more.
Being you said your forms of backup devices are fubard, you may want to invest in a form of backup in the near future, either being an external device/network share. or a new system that is CAPABLE of backups, aka a usable dvd burner, and usb ports.

[ncs22]

Hi. Thanks for your help..I have installed SP3 successfully and experienced no problems. Actually, I think I may be able to use my USB port to make a backup of my system on a flash drive. However, the CD/DVD part is broken. Anyway, looks like this thread can be closed now..thanks again.