xp backup wizard
In todays world a backup plan is needed.
You do have options but must calculate what price and risk you are willing to take.
A full backup can be your needs if you have a business or items that you can't be without. But for most of us a system state backup will surfice.
The system state is the registry which keeps all the connections to windows xp tied together.
If this goes, xp goes!
To start backup:
- click on the start button
- click on All Programs
- click on Accessories
- click on System Tools
- click on Backup
- You can also use the run command and type ntbackup.exe
There are two modes for backup.
Wizard and advanced.
For information about xp backup Advanced click on menu to the left
Wizard Mode:
If you start in wizard mode:
Click next>
click on Back up files and settings then click next
Click "Let me choose what to back up" then click next
Click on the + next to My Computer on the left side 
On the left the menu has expanded click on the box next to System state then click next
choose where to save your backup. * Note: floppy (A:drive) in most cases will not be big enough
CD burning is not an option but if this what you would like to do save it to your hard drive then burn a CD later.
Keep the date (default name) as it reminds you when this was done.
Click Finish
Time for a break while the backup does its job. 
When completed click on report and save it to where you saved the backup.
click Close
that's it