Windows Vista, Microsoft's new OS, is a nice upgrade form Windows XP (though others may claim otherwise) but with all OS's, you want to keep backups of your files or maybe you want to reinstall your OS because there is some problem on your machine. Windows Vista provides a very nice backup solution called the "Backup and Restore Center" which has a easy button to "Back up files" or "Back up computer" which makes it a real painless solution to backing up.

These files and folders from a back up can be easily restored with the "Restore ..." buttons. To get to this "Backup and Restore Center", simply open the Windows Start Menu (at the bottom left of the screen), then in the "Start Search" text dialog box near the bottom of the Windows Start Menu, type in "backup". Give it a few seconds and pretty soon, a "Backup and Restore Center" listing should be up.

Another option to backing up your files on Windows Vista is to go for it manually. Many users usually go for it using this method because it is an easy way to see exactly what you are copying over. The possible problem with this is forgetting to backup a certain folder or file that is very important. This method also requires an external hard drive that has a lot of space - preferably around 300 GB, even though if its for the sole purpose of backing up once, a 100 GB external hard drive will do fine for the job.

So to start the manual backup on Windows Vista, first copy over all your files and folders from your User's folder. To get there, open up the Windows Vista Start Menu (at the bottom left of the screen) and then go to the top right and click on your User's name. This will open up a folder that you want to copy over.

I suggest just copying over the whole folder because you do not want to miss anything. Next, type in "Uninstall" on the Windows Vista Start Menu to make a backup list of all your programs. This is a vital step that can be a hassle, but it is better than forgetting to install a program - which is a pain when you are in an urgent situation that requires that program very soon.

Also, do not forget to export the settings of your browser (if such an option exists) and to export your bookmarks (if such an option exists). Many people forget this step which can cause much grief over the loss of thousands and thousands of bookmarks and settings lost.