In a previous column you made reference to a utility called Backup in Windows XP. However, I cannot find this utility on my computer. Instead, the only programs available in the “System Tools” program group are Character Map, Disk cleanup, Scheduled Tasks, Security Center and System Restore. Can you help me find Backup? The computer is running Windows XP.

The Backup utility is definitely included in both Windows XP Home and Professional Editions. However, you must be aware that Backup is installed by default (and ready for use) in Windows XP Professional Edition through the System Tools program group. However, in Windows XP Home Edition you need to install the program yourself, as it is not included as a default installation of Windows XP. I imagine that you are running Windows XP Home Edition and thus do not have the Backup utility installed (which is why you cannot find the utility in System Tools). To install the Backup utility insert the Windows XP CD into the computer. A welcome screen should appear. On this screen click the “Perform additional tasks” link and then “Browse this CD”. Windows Explorer should appear listing the contents of the CD. Open the “ValueAdd” folder then the “Msft” sub-folder and the “Ntbackup” sub-sub-folder. You should see an installer file called “Ntbackup.msi” (or just “Ntbackup” if your computer is configured to not display file extensions). Double-click on the “Ntbackup.msi” installer to proceed with the installation. Once the installation has completed the Backup utility should be present in the “Accessories” > “System Tools” program group on your computer. If you require some further instructions on how Ntbackup works then you may wish to look at the following article on the Microsoft website which provides a good overview of how the program operates: www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx .