Re: Backup to DVD

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"SeniorNovice" <puttsmade@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote
I am preparing to update from WindowsXP to Vista.

Created a "Windows XP Drivers and Applications Recovery Disc" to a DVD
+R without a problem.

I'm not sure what that is or how you created it. It isn't something native to XP, but probably not relevant to the issue you are facing.

Now trying to backup all of my files and keep getting the message that
device in not connected to the computer.

What program are you using? If it's the backp program that came with XP, Ntbackup, it cannot write to DVD. It can write to a single CD if 3rd party packet writing software is installed but can't span CDs so it's not much good there. You could create the backup on another internal drive and then burn that backup file to DVD afterwards.

If you're using something other than Ntbackup, then provide more info on what you're using though for help with 3rd party programs you should go to the tech support for that program.

Attempts to find solution in Windows Help and online support have been
unsuccessful.

I recommend a different approach, especially in this situation where you want to migrate to Vista. Purchase Acronis True Image Home, version 10 (recent price at Newegg.com was $29.99 plus $4.99 shipping). Add an external hard drive (there are preassembled one or put together one yourself for much less cost using any hard drive of your choice and an external hard drive enclosure) connected to the computer through USB and then image the current drive to this external drive.

Acronis True image can be used in Vista as an excellent backup tool.

Now you have an image of the system that can be restored if there is a problem with the Vista install. After doing the imaging, but before doing the installation run the Windows Easy Transfer Utility (WET) from the Vista installation DVD from within the XP installation and use WET to create a copy of the data and settings. Save this to the external drive.

Now you can do either an upgrade or if needed a clean install of Vista, and if a clean install use WET from within Vista to bring in the saved data and settings.

Before making the transition to Vista make sure you do some research. Check on the computer manufacturer's web site for info on Vista compatibility and drivers. Burn all needed Vista drivers to CD so you have them. Also check all web sites for all the hardware in the system for Vista compatibility and drivers. Some printers and scanners are not being supported by their manufacturer with Vista drivers. In some cases you can use the XP drivers or a Vista driver for different but compatible printer. Research all the software you wan to use on Vista for needed updates. Some won't work in Vista.

Run the Vista upgrade advisor for information, but it is only a guide, and does not guarantee a successful transition. If doing an upgrade take care of all the issues mentioned by the UA, uninstall any software that is potentially a problem. This includes: all AV products (Vista versions are needed), any 3rd party firewalls, any system level utilities such as partition magic (not compatible with Vista), TweakUI, etc, any CD/DVD burning software, and any other software that uses drivers.

I recommend doing a clean install of Vista rather than an upgrade.

FYI there are Vista specific newsgroups. Here is a list.

microsoft.public.windows.vista.administration_accounts_password
microsoft.public.windows.vista.file_management
microsoft.public.windows.vista.games
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general
microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices
microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup
microsoft.public.windows.vista.mail
microsoft.public.windows.vista.music_pictures_video
microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_maintenance
microsoft.public.windows.vista.print_fax_scan
microsoft.public.windows.vista.security

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]

.

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