Creating Backup before SP1

[BigTimeNovice]

I am going to install SP1, but I need to know how to make a backup before doing this. I do not have Ghost or any outside utilities. How can I backup and is it safe to proceed?

[putasolutions]

I personally haven't had a problem with SP1, and have found it perfectly safe, but you are right to want to make a back up of some form.

XP will create a Restore point at the time that you install SP1, which should be adequate, but you might want to create your own personal restore point

[onedaddycat]

If you aren't having problems, then don't load SP1!

If you are having problems why would you need a back-up?

BTW, SP1 will create a restore point during it's installation.

But again if you don't need it, don't install it. It really screwed up my system which was working perfectly before the install, just had a small printer issue, I hoped SP1 would correct, now I have BSOD's an average of once a day.

And reverting to the old set-up did NOT restore system stability.

M$ sucks! but that's what we get, when we keep buying from them even though we know how they operate.

[Wino]

During the installation of SP1 you will be given the option to backup the old settings which will allow you to revert back to pre SP1 - and highly recommend you say yes when this is offered. I did, and when things went south (which it did on two XP machines) restore points didn't work to resolve anything, so used the revert (uninstall SP1) to plain XP from backed up files and got all back to operational with no further problems. Running SP1less to this day with no regrets.