Backup and restore settings

  • Thread starter Thread starter NH
  • Start date Start date
N

NH

Cross-Posted to the following:
microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment

Every now and again, I like to blow away my XP installation and do a
complete reinstall, but still find it difficult to restore all my settings
from the old c:\documents and settings folder.

I reinstall windows, and then copy the old My Documents, Favourites and
Desktop folders into the new c:\my documents and settings\nick folder.

The problem is that I still have to configure Outlook Express, Outlook, and
a few other things.

Is there a way of transferring those settings to my new account?
Are these settings held elsewhere?

I have tried logging on as administrator and just copying everything from
the c:\documents and settings\%user% folder, but I get a message saying that
some files are in use, even though I am not logged on as that user.

Thanks

Nick
 
NH said:
Cross-Posted to the following:
microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment

Every now and again, I like to blow away my XP installation and do a
complete reinstall, but still find it difficult to restore all my
settings from the old c:\documents and settings folder.

I reinstall windows, and then copy the old My Documents, Favourites
and Desktop folders into the new c:\my documents and settings\nick
folder.

The problem is that I still have to configure Outlook Express,
Outlook, and a few other things.

Is there a way of transferring those settings to my new account?
Are these settings held elsewhere?

I have tried logging on as administrator and just copying everything
from the c:\documents and settings\%user% folder, but I get a message
saying that some files are in use, even though I am not logged on as
that user.
Click to expand...

Have you looked at the Files and Settings transfer wizard, in
accessories/system tools. From the sound of it, this would be custom made
for you -- if its not could you repost into the group why you rejected it,
as understanding that would shape any further answers we might have for you.
 
Account settings (though NOT mail) can at least be saved from Outlook
Express this way-

Go to Tools, Accounts.
Highlight the account.
Select "Export" on the right. It'll save an IAF file. Just save the file
elsewhere (small enough to fit several ona floppy.)

For newsgroups, you'll still have to redownload the newsgroup list and
resubscribe to the groups, but the server settings will be there.

To get them back, it's the same process - just hit "import" instead of
"export."
 
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