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Thread ID: 119598 2011-07-31 04:29:00 Restore XP Pro backup in Windows 7 kfoffice (9242) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1220139 2011-07-31 04:29:00 Hi there,

I need your help please to restore my XP Pro backup I did before I did a clean install of windows 7 32bit. I backed up all my data on an external hard-drive using the "Backup everything on this computer." I'm very worried that I may not get my data back expecially all my emails and addresses.

I'm using a DEll Dimension E520 with a Pentium D 915 processor, 2GB RAM and 320GB harddrive. Thanks for your help in advance. Looking forward to hearing from you.

K
kfoffice (9242)
1220140 2011-07-31 05:01:00 What email program if using outlook, find the .pst file and back that up manually same with all documents, music etc.

The .pst file contains all your emails and the address book
gary67 (56)
1220141 2011-07-31 06:30:00 Errrrrrrr What program is that, thats advising "Backup everything on this computer" --- XP pro doesn't have those words ?????

The only backup XP pro has creates a Name . bfk format .
wainuitech (129)
1220142 2011-07-31 06:49:00 * Email - I was using Outlook Express (6 I think)

* Back up options - the exact words were from memory: "All information on this computer."
kfoffice (9242)
1220143 2011-07-31 08:03:00 If you used a backup feature in a mail program it would have only backed up emails, if you set it to backup all data it probably saved attachments and pictures as well. Most likely not all the data and documents on the computer. icow (15313)
1220144 2011-07-31 08:39:00 Because I upgraded from XP Professional to Windows 7 I used the XP Pro backup utility and selected the second last option "All information on this computer . "
I went on a friend's computer that has XP Pro and have a look at XP Pro backup options . There are 4 options for a backup:

1 . My Documents and Settings
2 . Everyone's documents and settings
3 . All information on this computer
4 . Let me choose what to backup .
I chose number 3 . I chose this thinking XP backup will backup literally everything on my computer .
kfoffice (9242)
1220145 2011-07-31 09:21:00 Problem with the XP backup software, it needs the XP OS to put it back as well .

There are third party programs like This one ( . openbkf . com/) or This one (http://www . bkffilerecovery . net/" target="_blank">www . openbkf . com/) or This one (http:) or This one (http://www . repairmybackup . com/) - which may allow you to look to see if the data you want is there, but it will cost to carry out the operations .

XP saves it in a . bfk format, which is different to a standard backup .

Lots of backup programs save in their own formats, which is not always a good idea .
wainuitech (129)
1220146 2011-08-01 06:51:00 Run the virtual machine that MS provides with windows 7 (XP Mode IIRC), restore data, copy data over to windows 7? Would that work? icow (15313)
1220147 2011-08-01 09:42:00 May not work in a VM (XP mode) -- as the restore path will be different to the original.

Second - W7 has to be pro or above to use XP mode.

Unless a third party VM is used, then as long as the user name is the same in the VM install its possible that will work.
wainuitech (129)
1220148 2011-08-03 02:24:00 Thanks everyone, using the website below I managed to use Windows NT Backup Restore Utility and restored everything from within Windows 7:

www.pcworld.com
kfoffice (9242)
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