Install and run back-up utility for Windows XP Home
It's important to back up your critical files on at least a weekly basis. The following explains how to install and run Microsoft's built-in Backup utility in Windows XP.
Insert your Windows XP CD into the drive and double click it when it pops up on your desktop.
In Windows Explorer, double-click the ValueAdd folder, then Msft, and then Ntbackup.
Double-click Ntbackup.msi to install the Backup utility.
Click Backup to run Microsoft's Backup program.
Run the Backup Utility
Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup to start the wizard.
Click “Next” to skip past the opening page, choose Back up files and settings from the second page, and then click Next.
Decide whether you want to back up everything or just certain things.