6. Archiving With NTBackup

First Things First: Volume Shadow Copy

Older versions of Windows, 2000 and NT 4.0 in particular, had problems with files that were in use while a backup was underway. Because they were locked by their respective applications, these files would be skipped during backup jobs.

Today, you can keep on working with your files while a background backup job is underway and still be sure that all specified content gets archived. All you have to do is to enable the XP Volume Shadow Copy Service. Press WinKey+R. The WinKey is the one with the Windows logo on it. Next type services.msc in the text field of the dialog box that opens and click OK. This brings up the Services applet. If you don't have a WinKey on your keyboard click Start, Run.

Click the image to see a larger version.

Find and click on the Volume Shadow Copy Service. You can start the service by clicking the little right-facing triangle that looks like a Play button in the tool bar toward the top of the window.

If the Service Startup Type is Manual double click on the Service to bring up the dialog box below. Open the Startup Type dropdown list, select Automatic and click OK. The Volume Shadow Copy Service will now start when the computer is booted.

Click the image to see a larger version.