This guide will follow most aspects of a repair or new install of Windows XP, Vista or 7.

The guide covers the repair of Windows which will keep files intact and the complete reinstall of Windows which will subsequently reformat and clear your hard drive.

The difference in the areas we will cover today are

This is were you completely wipe your hard drive of everything and start the reinstall process. If you are experiencing errors when running Windows or when you are dealing with certain aspects then re reformat and reinstall will do your system good. Also many users will reformat and reinstall Windows and a Yearly even Monthly basis. This is because when ever you go on the Internet or go about your daily business on a PC certain files can be stored in different places on the computer. these over time build up and eventually lead the system to slow down to a crawl. Many different programs such as CCleaner try their best to remove all the junk that builds up and even with Monthly defragmenting of your hard drive there will still be files left behind that will eventually clog your system.

There for this will be beneficial to the smooth running of your PC.


What we mean by a repair install is when the system will try and find corrupt files/ folders that are stopping your system from running.

With average use of a PC files will become corrupt and will therefore stop the smooth running of your system. These files are commonly in the "boot up" sequence of the install and will cause for example the system to "hang" at a particular area or indeed during start up give you a message to tell you tat certain files are missing and that they will need repairing.

This method unlike the complete fresh install will only replace core system files thus saving your precious photos and files on your PC. However this can sometimes overwrite your Windows Profile leading to your old folders and file being given large location names, leading to you thinking after the repair they are no longer there.

If you are unsure of what process to take then please feel free to post in the forum were you will receive support if you require it and advice on how to complete a repair. However in my experience many users often go for a repair approach merely to get their files and then they complete a reformat and re install later on.

The guides are split into the different areas as below so click on the relevant name below, to go to the relevant part of the guide:

Windows XP Install

Windows XP Repair

Windows Vista Install

Windows Vista Repair

Windows 7 Install

Windows 7 Repair

At the end of the guide there is an area of different programs that you may want to look into before the re format process. These cover things like FireFox Favorites etc.

Extra Backup processes

__________________

By completing this guide you will wipe every file stored on the hard drive and basically starts a fresh. You MUST backup everything you need before continuing with this guide because when you finish, no matter what software you run nothing will get your data back


1. A Windows XP machine

2. A Windows XP installation CD with a valid Product Key

3. The Cd's and serial numbers of all the software you need to install on your fresh machine. This is imperative. Without this you will be stuck with a minimal version of Windows and then after 30 days even this will be inaccessible.

4. Hardware driver discs (or active Internet connection)


When you reformat everything on your hard drive will be wiped clean. You must backup everything that you will need after you reinstall windows because you will not get it back. I cannot stress this enough.

Insert the Windows installation disk into your CD drive. Shut down your PC. Then, wait 10 seconds and turn the PC on again.

Do NOT :!: Run the Windows installation from inside Windows itself. Shut down first, and then boot up the machine from CD.
Depending on your PC it may come up with something like "Press F12 to boot from CD," If you're not sure how to boot from CD, check your PCs user guide for more info or post in the forum

You'll be greeted by the installation screen
All the directions are clearly spelled out on each of them


At the Welcome to Setup page, press Enter.



Press F8 to accept the Windows XP Licensing Agreement.


Now we are going to look at something called Partitions.

Your operating system you are about to install requires a separate bit of the hard drive to run on. A full description can be found in the glossary.

As you can see in the image below there is1 disk partitions: C: .

The C drive is what we will be looking at. This is the name primarily given to the partition on the hard drive that has the operating system installed.
For this task were are going to delete all of the existing partitions and start from fresh.

All your existing disk partitions will be listed like below:



You want to delete the current partition where Windows is installed. Use the arrow key to select it, and press D to delete it.

Press L to confirm.

Then, to create a new partition, select the unpartitioned space and press C. To create a new partition with the maximum amount of space allotted to it, press Enter.

Now select the new partition you've just created to install Windows on.

The next thing we are going to do is format the hard drive. . Again see the glossary for this. This basically allows the operating system to run on the hard drive and install


Format the drive as NTFS. It is recommended that you don't use the quick format option as it can miss out some files and could lead to instability in the Operating system.

Depending on the size of the drive and how fast your computer is, this will take some time.



Windows likes to make sure you know what you are doing or have done. Here press F. the following screen will then appear to show you your progress.


DO NOT INTURRUPT THE FORMAT OR INSTALL PROCESS UNLESS YOU ARE PROMPTED TO!

Once complete Windows will continue with the set-up.


Once the format and possible restart are complete the following screen will appear


Just leave it to its own devices for a while



Here it will check for language settings. Select those appropriate to you. Be aware there is a different between US and UK keyboard settings.

Click Next. This brings you to a screen asking for information. Enter your Name and a company name if required.



This next screen will required you to add your Windows Product key. You can use XP for one machine only.
After this a screen will request your computer name and optional password. Enter as required.



Here you simply need to enter your computers date and time settings as required making sure to select the correct time zone.



XP will now run through setting up your network. If you are using a wireless card this will normally be skipped and this requires additional setting up. If you are not sure then leave it for now.


Next there will be a request for a WORKGROUP. This is the name of the group of computers that this computer will be sharing a network with. If you intend to use things like file sharing over a Home Network then enter a name in here that is relevant. However more than likely you will leave this as WORKGROUP and this is easy enough to remember.

Now we get to the final part of the Wizard. At this point your PC may restart and additional settings may be changed for example the display settings will now be addressed. However this will just be a simple box with yes or no so follow the commands.



Here you will be asked to validate your Network settings for Windows Validation and Registration.
If you selected the default networking configuration during Setup and know it will work (because you're connected directly to a cable modem, perhaps, or are on a local area network), then select Yes (the default). Otherwise, you can select No and then Skip

Now fill in the users form. This will set up all of the user accounts on the PC. After this XP is ready to boot.

Now you should have booted:

Here is the best point to install your, if necessary Wireless Internet Card as the following processes will require an active Internet connection.

First call will be Microsoft updates.
Install all available updates which are appropriate to your system. These can also be downloaded through your Automatic updates. These will address possible Security Flaws in your system and also updates for the software. You will also find this is the best point to install XP Service Pack 3. These again can be accessed through automatic updates.

To set up Automatic updates:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Copy and paste, or type the following command, and then press ENTER:

sysdm.cpl

3. Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then click to select one of the three options. I recommend that you select the Automatic (recommended) option, and then choose the time that you want the system to automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them.
4. Click OK.

The Second call will be device manager

- Click Start
- Right click My computer
- Under tasks click device manager
- The Device Manager dialog box is displayed.

There will be a series of yellow markers over your hardware. If you have a driver CD now is the time to insert it and install

However if you don't have a driver installation CD as many PC users don't, then you will need to go to the hardware manufacturers website.

Some (not all) hardware will need some form of Product ID and so it is handy to keep any boxes with you so you can quote the part number..


You system should now be fully operational. If not then either post in the forum or trey reinstalling Windows again.

__________________

A repair Windows XP can be used to fix minor errors. As stated earlier it can create large file names and location and such and so should only be used when you need to rescue data or to fix minor errors as if you have your data then you may as well perform a fresh install as your PC will always benefit.

Tips before you start
Just because your installation is broken doesn't mean you have lost everything. Look at This Guide to find out how to backup your files from a broken windows install.


1. A Windows XP machine

2. A Windows XP installation CD with a valid Product Key

3. The Cd's and serial numbers of all the software you need to install on your fresh machine. This is imperative. Without this you will be stuck with a minimal version of Windows and then after 30 days even this will be inaccessible.

4. Hardware driver discs (or active Internet connection)

Now if you have a backup then we will begin.


Please Note: This process is carried out using a Microsoft XP installation DVD. If you have a recovery DVD that came with your system you will have no choice but to completely reinstall your entire operating system. See the above post for information on this or post to the forum for more help.

First insert your XP DVD and restart your PC. The following screen will appear. If requires tap the appropriate key to load form the disk.




The installer will now begin



On this screen you need to press Enter DO NOT boot into the recovery console.



Here you must agree to the terms of the license agreement by pressing F8



Because you have already got an installed XP system, the existing install will be picked up. Once highlighted press R



Don't be shocked if your screen just goes blue. It is deleting any unnecessary files etc so bare with it.



XP will now copy all necessary files to your PC for the repair to take place




When it has the necessary files this screen will come up



Just like the normal XP install you are required here to insert your language options, again remember there is a difference between US and UK.



Once again insert the name of the group/ network this PC is part of. If its not part of a network just leave the default WORKGROUP




The repair is then finalised



Hopefully XP should now restart and boot if all is going well.



Now a few more setup steps are required.
In the next screen you can choose to register with Microsoft now or later. Most user will find they have no Internet connectivity now so skip it if you don't.

In the Who will use this computer screen you simply need to enter the names of the people who will use the PC. This will then create the accounts for these people. If you just want the one account enter just the one name

Now you will have a fully working XP install with all of your files intact.

Now during the repair some hardware drivers and Microsoft updates could be removed and so similar steps should be taken here for when installing Windows for the first time.

First go to Microsoft updates.
Install all available updates which are appropriate to your system. These can also be downloaded through your Automatic updates.

To set up Automatic updates:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Copy and paste, or type the following command, and then press ENTER:

sysdm.cpl

3. Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then click to select one of the three options. I recommend that you select the Automatic (recommended) option, and then choose the time that you want the system to automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them.
4. Click OK.

Also don't forget to check device manager

- Click Start
- Right click My computer
- Under tasks click device manager
- The Device Manager dialog box is displayed.

Look for any Yellow markers or anything regarding inactive hardware. Then right Click > Properties >and then go to the Drivers Tab and click update.

__________________

By completing this guide you will wipe every file stored on the hard drive and basically starts a fresh. You MUST backup everything you need before continuing with this guide because when you finish, no matter what software you run nothing will get your data back


1. A Windows Vista compatible machine. Be aware not all PCs with the Vista compatible sticker on will run Vista. Make sure you have the following:
Home Basic

• Processor: 1GHz (32 or 64 bit)
• System Memory (RAM): 512MB
• Hard Drive: 20GB with 15GB available for Vista
• Video Card: 32MB Memory and DirectX 9 Support
• DVD-ROM Drive
  
  Home Premium, Business, Ultimate
  
• Processor: 1GHz (32 or 64 bit)
• System Memory (RAM): 1GB
• Hard Drive: 40GB with 15GB available for Vista
• Video Card: 128MB Memory, DirectX 9 Support with: WDDM Driver, Pixel Shader 2.0, 32bits per pixel
• DVD-ROM Drive

2. A Windows Vista installation CD with a valid Product Key. This is imperative. Without this you will be stuck with a minimal version of Windows and then after 30 days even this will be inaccessible.

3. The Cd's and serial numbers of all the software you need to install on your fresh machine.

4. Hardware driver discs (or active Internet connection)

Step 1

. Back up your data.

When you reformat everything on your hard drive will be wiped clean. You must backup everything that you will need after you reinstall windows. This includes documents, music, pictures, or any other file you want to save. Put it on a USB flash drive, external hard drive, CD/DVD etc. You will not be able to get anything back after the format.

Step 2

. Get ready to say goodbye to your system.
Insert the Windows installation disk into your CD drive. Shut down your PC. Then, boot from CD.

Do NOT :!: Run the Windows installation from Windows itself. Shut down first, and then boot up the machine from CD.
Depending on your PC it may come up with something like "Press F12 to boot from CD," If you're not sure how to boot from CD, check your PCs user guide for more info or post in the forum

Step 3

First select your language from the list and press Next



You will then see this screen



Click the 'Install Now' button to install

Then you will be asked to select which version of Vista you are installing. It is imperative you get this correct otherwise your product key will be denied.



The product key window will now open:
Type your product key number into the available box and then press OK


Then you must agree to the the terms and conditions


Now select the Advanced option


Partitions

As you can see in the image below there is one partition Disk 0 Unallocated space:



This is a new installation in the picture and so this unallocated space is simply your empty hard drive.

For Vista you will need to click on advanced drive options.

Then you need to click on "New" to bring up the partition creation toolbar:


Type in the amount needed for your partition setting to maximum if you want too.


Then press Format.

Windows will now go about actually installing windows

Step 4

After some time (the exact amount of time will depend on your computer's hardware), the setup process will install updates for the operating system.

The computer will then automatically reboot. Now the installation process will configure the system. Again, the exact amount of time will depend on your computer's hardware.

After the long wait, the system will then reboot once again. Don't be worried if all you see is a black screen, but after a few moments comes the Windows configuration message.


Next Windows will finish the install


Now don't be worried that your system has crashed here. Its simply installing and so the black screen may be here for a while


Now you will do all of the nitty gritty bits like picking your pretty windows user picture. I'M sure i don't need to go through that so il skip it...





This part is important. The recommended settings are best for most. If you plan to install a 3rd-party firewall later you can opt to be prompted later.
Warning: After a very bad experience uninstalling i would recommend Vista user's to stay away from Zone Alarm for the time being. I took me 8 hours to uninstall and required me to completely set up my Internet connection once again.

After this comes your time settings. Just set your time zone and date etc.


Now leave the system to check your performance


Finally Vista will boot.


Windows has now installed and loaded up

Step 5

Here is the best point to install your, if necessary Wireless Internet Card as the following processes will require an active Internet connection.

First call will be Microsoft updates.
Install all available updates which are appropriate to your system. These can also be downloaded through your Automatic updates. These will address possible Security Flaws in your system and also updates for the software. You will also find this is the best point to install XP Service Pack 3. These again can be accessed through automatic updates.

To set up Automatic updates:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Copy and paste, or type the following command, and then press ENTER:

sysdm.cpl

3. Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then click to select one of the three options. I recommend that you select the Automatic (recommended) option, and then choose the time that you want the system to automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them.
4. Click OK.

The Second call will be device manager

- Click Start
- Right click My computer
- Under tasks click device manager
- The Device Manager dialog box is displayed.

There will be a series of yellow markers over your hardware. If you have a driver CD now is the time to insert it and install

However if you don't have a driver installation CD as many PC users don't, then you will need to go to the hardware manufacturers website.

Some (not all) hardware will need some form of Product ID and so it is handy to keep any boxes with you so you can quote the part number..

You system should now be fully operational. If not then either post in the forum or try reinstalling Windows again.

__________________

Some times annoying little things will go wrong with your operating system that leaves you with no option but to reinstall your operating system. However you may also not have backed up your software pictures etc.
This is were a repair install comes in handy.


Tips before you start
Just because your installation is broken doesn't mean you have lost everything. Look at This Guide to find out how to backup your files from a broken windows install.


1. A Windows Vista compatible machine

2. A Windows Vista installation CD with a valid Product Key. This is imperative. Without this you will be stuck with a minimal version of Windows and then after 30 days even this will be inaccessible.

3. The Cd's and serial numbers of all the software you need to install on your fresh machine.

4. Hardware driver discs (or active Internet connection)

Now if you have a backup then we will begin.
Please Note: This process is carried out using a Microsoft Vista installation DVD. If you have a recovery DVD that came with your system you will have no choice but to completely reinstall your entire operating system.

First enter your Vista DVD and restart your PC. The following screen will appear





Just like the Vista installation this screen will appear. Select you appropriate settings.



Now instead of clicking install now click Repair your computer



Vista then searches for your previous operating system. In this case Vista



Click next to Continue



Here click on Start up Repair

Please note: If the repair process detected that you previously had problems starting Vista, instead of displaying the list of recovery tools, it would have automatically started the Start up Repair tool for you


The repair tool will now search for the error and attempt to rectify it.
Your PC will most probably reboot several times during this process which is OK

Please note: If windows asks if you would like to run a system restore you should press Cancel on the first run. If after the first run vista hasn't managed to repair the boot then press Yes.

You will then get asked if you would like to send information to Microsoft. You can either click Yes or No its up to you. Vista will now give you the verdict of either it can or it can be repaired.
If it can press Finish and reboot.

If not Press Cancel.
I would then suggest that you walk through using the System restore process on the main tools screen and selecting a restore point at least a week old.

If this also doest work then either post in the forum or carry on with this guide as to How to Reinstall Vista

Now during the repair some hardware drivers and Microsoft updates could be removed and so similar steps should be taken here for when installing Windows for the first time.

First go to Microsoft updates.
Install all available updates which are appropriate to your system. These can also be downloaded through your Automatic updates.

To set up Automatic updates:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Copy and paste, or type the following command, and then press ENTER:

sysdm.cpl

3. Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then click to select one of the three options. I recommend that you select the Automatic (recommended) option, and then choose the time that you want the system to automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them.
4. Click OK.

Also don't forget to check device manager

- Click Start
- Right click My computer
- Under tasks click device manager
- The Device Manager dialog box is displayed.

Look for any Yellow markers or anything regarding inactive hardware. Then right Click > Properties >and then go to the Drivers Tab and click update.

__________________

Although similar to the Windows Vista install there are some differences to the install of Windows 7

Again as a warning - By completing this guide you will wipe every file stored on the hard drive and basically starts a fresh. You MUST backup everything you need before continuing with this guide because when you finish, no matter what software you run nothing will get your data back

What you'll need:
The specs for Windows 7 are below, and indeed are much lower than that of Windows Vista:

• 1GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1GB RAM (32-bit) / 2GB RAM (64-bit)
• 16GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20GB (64-bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

If unsure then why not run the - Microsoft Windows upgrade advisor

If your PC meets the requirments and you have a booting disk then lets start. If your disk does not boot or there are any querie or issues please ask them in the new Windows 7 forum.

Step 1

- Back up your data

When you reformat everything on your hard drive will be wiped clean. You must backup everything that you will need after you reinstall windows. This includes documents, music, pictures, or any other file you want to save. Put it on a USB flash drive, external hard drive, CD/DVD etc. You will not be able to get anything back after the format.

Step 2

Once you have inserted your Windows 7 disk the excitement begins. Wait for the loading screen to continue, don't get over excited and try and skip anything

Step 3

Continue to wait. Its still loading, give it chance

Step 4

Ok now we begin. Here you need to enter your regional settings for the PC.
Make sure that you select the correct language and then the correct Time and Currency.
There is a difference between the USA and the UK in time and currency so please select the correct option.
This is the same for the keyboard layout and input. You will notice a difference if its incorrect.

Step 5

Ok now hit the button. Once you do though there is no going back without a fight. Make sure you have done all of your backups and saved everything you need.

Step 5

Now sit back and watch the magic happen. The system may appear to stop at certain points but please stay patient. Some systems are much faster than others.

Step 6

Ok i know its boring but please read the agreement. There are important areas in there regarding how many PC's certain apps can be installed on etc so make sure you understand it.

Step 7

Ok now this guide is for a Full Fresh Install so at this point you need to click Custom (advanced.
If you have an upgrade Disk then please ask in the forum if you need help.

Don't worry about clicking the wrong option. It will simply tell you that you have the wrong disk and to try again.

Step 8

This is the selection were you are going to select the drive to which you are going to install Windows 7.

The drive should say Disk 0 - Unallocated space.

If not then you have your old data on the drive.

In old editions of Windows OS you had to manually partition the drive for install. However Windows 7 will now do this automatically.

So click the drive once and then click next.

Step 9

Windows will now actually do the install for you. Give it plenty of time and let it finish. It will restart a few times and possibly flash but this is normal (see below).

Step 10

After a few screens about changing settings and starting the install you will get to here:



Still keep waiting...

Step 11

Now its your turn again. Enter what you want your username to be and the name of the PC.

Step 12

Important step - security.

You need to give your PC a strong suitable password.
Even if you are the only one in the house you never know what might happen so make sure its a group of letters and numbers and please please please Don't put the password answer as the hint!!!

Step 13

Here you need to input your product key. Make sure you are inputting the correct key and if you don't have one well, you have formatted your PC lost your old operating system and can't get much further...

Step 14

For this step I would advise selecting the top option unless there is a really really good reason for not doing so.

Updates are very important for security matters and this saves alot of time changing and setting things up in the future.

Click - Use recommended settings

Step 15

First off select the correct time zone to which you are working in. This is important for time zoning, daylight savings and time in general.

Then select the date and timeif the clock is incorrect

Make sure the time is as correct as possible as some program can get confused if its to far off.

Step 16

This step is important to your network security.
The new Workgroup feature in Windows 7 looks are your location as a security measure.
You must read the text carefully and make a decisions.

If you are at home and are using a single secured network connection the choose - Home

If you are in a corporate environment and sharing a connection that is most likely secured and shared by others, then click Work Environment. This unlocks your PC more to allow for sharing.

If you are going to be using a public unsecured internet connection you must select Public network. This will tighten your PC and stop external access from other users on that network.

Windows 7 will ask this same question each time your Pc finds a new connection so there will be chance to select a new network over time.

Step 17

Here Windows will try and connect to the network if you are connected to one. If not then it will skip this step.

Step 18

Almost there. Your new install will now set up your settings and start the new install.

Step 19

Now your PC is active you will wan't to try and get on the internet.

If you have not set up automatic updates your first call should be Microsoft updates.

Install all available updates which are appropriate to your system. These can also be downloaded through your Automatic updates. These will address possible Security Flaws in your system and also updates for the software. You will also find this is the best point to install XP Service Pack 3. These again can be accessed through automatic updates.

To set up Automatic updates:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Copy and paste, or type the following command, and then press ENTER:

sysdm.cpl

3. Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then click to select one of the three options. I recommend that you select the Automatic (recommended) option, and then choose the time that you want the system to automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them.

4. Click OK.

Most Windows 7 users will find that they will already have full functioning hardware with drivers installed courtesy of Windows 7. However I advise getting the latest update for your graphics card and networking hardware at the minimum and will probably need to update other devices such as printers to allow the extra features to become active.

You system should now be fully operational. If not then either post in the forum or try reinstalling Windows again.

NOTE: I would strongly advise you look through our Freeware and Utilities list. I advise you pick out a Firewall AND ONE Antivirus product.

Windows incorporates what security it can and so its up to you to make it secure.
We advise the use of those listed on the page above and support can be given if required. Beware of other alternatives as those on out list were chosen for a reason and not because they came to you in a pop up.

__________________

Some times annoying little things will go wrong with your operating system that leaves you with no option but to reinstall your operating system. However you may also not have backed up your software pictures etc.
This is were a repair install comes in handy.


Tips before you start
Just because your installation is broken doesn't mean you have lost everything. Look at This Guide to find out how to backup your files from a broken windows install.


1. A Windows 7 compatible machine

2. A Windows 7 installation CD with a valid Product Key. This is imperative. Without this you will be stuck with a minimal version of Windows and then after 30 days even this will be inaccessible.

3. The Cd's and serial numbers of all the software you need to install on your fresh machine.

4. Hardware driver discs (or active Internet connection)

Now if you have a backup then we will begin.
Please Note: This process is carried out using a Microsoft 7 installation DVD. If you have a recovery DVD that came with your system you will have no choice but to completely reinstall your entire operating system.

I am starting this guide presuming you have a full booting disk. If you are having problems please ask on the forums.



Once you enter your disk you will see a screen similar to the one above. Press any key to start the install process.



It will now start the setup.



Now choose the Language to install, Time and currency format, and Keyboard / input method you want to use



Now the standard install screen will load. however this time you are going to select Repair your computer



The PC will now load all of your appropriate options to which you can use.



The PC will now ask you to select your operating system install. Select from the list the install you want to repair then select Next.



This will give you a menu for the systems tools you can run. We are going to run a start up repair.
Click Startup Repair



Allow the repair to take place. It will most probably restart several times over, this is normal



To finish the repair click Finish

The start up repair may or may not be successful. If it isn't the tool my run again automatically if Windows deems it fit.
Otherwise you will either need to select System restore or follow the guide above for a full Windows install.

__________________

This portion of the guide will look at backing up certain programs settings to use after reformatting.


Firefox saves a user's personal information in a unique profile. This means it is very easy to backup and re use.

• To backup:
• Press you Windows key and R
• In the run box that opens type in %APPDATA%
• Click OK
  
  This will then open your C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\Application Data folder in Windows 2000 and XP.
  
  However in Windows Vista this will open you C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Roaming folder
  
• Then from the open folder carry through to \Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\
• Then click on your profile name which will be something like tnnlhagv.default
• There you will see a simple file called Bookmarks
  
  Also you could do this within firefox by:
  
• Open FireFox
• Open the Bookmarks Tab
• Click Manage Bookmarks
• Within the Bookmarks window click File -> Export
• Then choose a place to save the file.
  
  Recovering favorites in recent versions of Firefox
  
• Open Mozilla Firefox.
• Click Bookmarks and then "Organize Bookmarks".
• Click "Import and Backup".
• If the file is a JSON file click "Restore" and choose file. If the file is a .HTM/.HTML file or other browser file click "Import HTML" and follow the import wizzard.
  
  
  Backing up Internet Explorer Favorites:
  
  Internet Explorer 5.0 and above users backing up favorites.
  
• Within Internet Explorer, click the File menu and "Import and Export...".
• Within the Import and Export window click Next.
• Click "Export Favorites" and click Next.
• Select the folder wish to backup; if you wish to backup all favorites, leave the Favorites folder highlighted and click Next.
• Select the destination you wish to save the favorites and click Next.
• Click Finish.
  
  Internet Explorer 5.0 and above recovering backup files from an Internet Explorer or Netscape backup.
  
• Within Internet Explorer, click the File menu and "Import and Export...".
• Within the Import and Export window click Next.
• Click "Import Favorites" and click Next.
• Select the location that contains your favorites and click Next.
• Select where you with to save your favorites and click Next.
• Click Finish.
  
  
  Backing up Netscape Favorites:
  
  Netscape Communicator / Netscape 7.0 and above users backing up bookmarks
• Within Netscape, click Bookmarks and "Manage Bookmarks..." or CTRL+B.
• Within the Bookmark manager click Tools and Export
• Select where you wish to export the file and click ok.
  
  Netscape Communicator / Netscape 7.0 and above users recovering backup files from Netscape backup or Internet Explorer.
• Within Netscape, click Bookmarks and "Manage Bookmarks..." or CTRL+B.
• Within the Bookmark manager click Tools and Import
• Select the file you wish to Import and click Open.
  
  
  Backing up Opera Favorites:
  
  Note: By default, Opera will save your bookmarks as Opera6.adr. If your version of Opera is not 6, this filename may change.
  
  Opera users backing up your bookmarks
  
• Within Opera, click the File menu and Export.
• Select the destination to where you wish to save the backup of your favorites to and click Save.
  
  Opera users recovering a backup of your bookmarks.
  
• Within Opera, click the File menu and Import.
• Select "Opera bookmarks
• Select the file or folder you wish to recover.
• Click Ok.
  
  
  Main Windows Backup:
  
  This is a very simple step.
• Go to Start -> Control panel ->
• Click the Backup and restore icon[
• Select Backup
  
  This will now look for backup devices. If none are found you can manually select where to backup to.
  
  
  Outlook Express Backup:
  
  These steps will backup all the major data from Outlook. They are from Microsoft and so maybe longer than required, but work, so whos to complain.
  
  Copy message files to a backup folder
  

  Locate the Store folder

• Start Outlook Express.
• Click Tools, and then click Options.
• On the Maintenance tab, click Store Folder.
• In the Store Location dialog box, copy the store location. To do this, follow these steps:
• Put the mouse pointer at one end of the box under the Your personal message store is located in the following folder box.
• Press and hold the left mouse button, and then drag the mouse pointer across the Your personal message store is located in the following folder box.
• Press CTRL+C to copy the location.
• Click Cancel, and then click Cancel again to close the dialog box.
  

  Copy the contents of the Store folder

• Click Start, click Run, press CTRL+V, and then click OK.[]
• On the Edit menu, click Select All.
• On the Edit menu, click Copy, and then close the window.
  

  Create a backup folder

• Right-click any empty area on your desktop, click New, and then click Folder.
• Type Mail Backup for the folder name, and then press ENTER.
• Paste the contents of the Store folder into the backup folder
• Double-click the Mail Backup folder to open it.
• Right-click inside the Mail Backup folder window, and then click Paste.
  

  To export the Address Book to a .csv file, follow these steps:

• On the File menu, click Export, and then click Address Book.
• Click Text File (Comma Separated Values), and then click Export.
• Click Browse.
• Select the Mail Backup folder that you created.
• In the File Name box, type address book backup, and then click Save.
• Click Next.
• Click to select the check boxes for the fields that you want to export, and then click Finish.
• Click OK, and then click Close.
  

  Export the mail account to a file

• On the Tools menu, click Accounts.
• On the Mail tab, click the mail account that you want to export, and then click Export.
• In the Save In box, select the Mail Backup folder, and then click Save.
• Repeat these steps for each mail account that you want to export.
• Click Close.
  

  Export the newsgroup account to a file

• On the Tools menu, click Accounts.
• On the News tab, click the news account that you want to export, and then click Export.
• In the Save In box, select the Mail Backup folder, and then click Save.
• Repeat these steps for each news account that you want to export.
• Click Close.
  
  
  To restore the items:

  Import messages from the backup folder

• On the File menu, point to Import, and then click Messages.
• In the Select an e-mail program to import from box, click Microsoft Outlook Express 5 or Microsoft Outlook Express 6, and then click Next.
• Click Import mail from an OE5 store directory or Import mail from an OE6 store directory, and then click OK.
• Click Browse, and then click the Mail Backup folder.
• Click OK, and then click Next.
• Click All folders, click Next, and then click Finish.
  

  Import the Address Book file

• On the File menu, click Import, and then click Other Address Book.
• Click Text File (Comma Separated Values), and then click Import.
• Click Browse.
• Select the Mail Backup folder, click the address book backup.csv file, and then click Open.
• Click Next, and then click Finish.
• Click OK, and then click Close.
  

  Import the mail account file

• On the Tools menu, click Accounts.
• On the Mail tab, click Import.
• In the Look In box, select the Mail Backup folder.
• Click the mail account that you want to import, and then click Open.
• Repeat these steps for each mail account that you want to import.
• Click Close.
  

  Import the newsgroup account file

• On the Tools menu, click Accounts.
• On the News tab, click Import.
• In the Look In box, select the Mail Backup folder.
• Click the news account that you want to import, and then click Open.
• Repeat these steps for each news account that you want to import.
• Click Close.
  
  
  Windows Live Mail:
• Create a folder were you are going to backup your files and call it what you want, Windows Live backups, something like that
  

  Backup Email and News Accounts:

• Click Tools Accounts
• Then select an account
• Then click Export
• Use the Browse or Browse folders option to navigate to the Mail folder(created above)
• Export each email account account to the Mail folder, repeating the process for each email account
• Export each newsgroup account to the News folder, repeating the process for each newsgroup account[
• Each account exported will be saved using the Email or News account name with a filename extension of *.iaf
  

  Backup Messages:

• Just like above creat a blank folder
• Click File Export Messages Windows Live Mail
• Click Browse to navigate to Msgs folder, click OK, click Next
• Choose one of two options(All Folders or Selected folder) - if 'Selected' use the Control key for multiple selections, then click next to start the Export. Do not interrupt the export process. Once through Click Finish

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