Windows XP has a best kept secret: the Automated System Recovery Tool. This tool can back up your System Files and create a floppy disk that you can use to restore your system. The ASR only backs up your system configuration, so make sure you use a regular backup method to back up your data files (note that this only works for Windows XP Professional, not for Windows XP Home).

1. Click the Start menu and then click the Run command. Type ntbackup in the Open text box and click OK.
2. On the Welcome tab of the Backup Utility window, click on the Automated System Recovery Wizard button.
3. Click Next on the Welcome to the Automated System Recovery Preparation Wizard page.
4. On the Backup Destination page, type in a path for the backup file. Make sure you don't use the C: drive to backup the configuration! For example, we type g:\backup.bkf in the Backup media or file name text box. Click Next.
5. Click Finish on the Completing the Automated System Recovery Preparation Wizard page. At this point, the backup program starts backing up the necessary files. This can take a while.
6. You'll be asked to insert a blank floppy disk. Put the disk in and click OK.
7. The Wizard tells you to remove the diskette and label it. Do so and click OK. Click Close on the Backup Progress dialog box and close the backup utility window.