FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  626 (19/08/08)

Q I have Windows XP Home Edition pre-loaded onto my computer and I would like to back-up my settings and files onto an external hard drive.  If I had the XP Home installation disk I could extract the back-up utility but my computer manufacturer cannot or will not supply one. My question therefore is how can I make this XP Back-up Utility available for use on my computer without the disc?

Donald Dipper, via email

A. Leaving the very useful XP Backup utility on the installation disc wasn’t one of Microsoft’s brightest ideas and there seem to be no good reason for this omission as it is pre-installed by the Pro version. There are a couple of solutions though, and there are several places on the web where you can download the necessary files (though not, strangely, from Microsoft). One of the most reliable sites is this one: www.onecomputerguy.com/software/ntbackup.msi. Alternatively try a third-party backup utility. I can recommend two: FileHamster and Karen’s Replicator. They are both free and easy to use; links to both downloads are at: http://tinyurl.com/5mjbzn

Q. Wishing to install a larger HD I followed your instructions in Boot Camp 352 & 353. I used the free program HDClone and successfully copied my 80Gb drive to my new 250Gb drive and then removed the 80GB HD. Everything appears to be working but my new HD (C) only shows as 74.50GB the remaining capacity of 158.38GB shows as G (All on Disk 0). Can I merge these capacities within Windows? If I had to start cloning all over again I don't know what to do differently in HDClone to end up with the full capacity being available.

Mike Leigh

A. HD Clone works well and is easy to use but you should always RTFM (look it up if you don’t know what it means…). It explains there are four operating modes and I suspect you have used the Partition-to-Partition setting, which faithfully duplicates the source drive to a newly created partition on the target drive. This is fine for backups but overly restrictive if you want to move the installation to a larger drive as the unused space is converted to a new partition. For migrating to a larger drive you should have used the Drive-to-Drive mode, which copies everything on the source drive to the target drive and if it is larger than the old one the extra space is included and available to use.

There are no tools within Windows for combining partitions but it can be done using a commercial program like Partition Magic. My preferred method is to install a copy of Linux, which lets you to create, rearrange and resize partitions to your heart’s content. As an added bonus you’ll be able to dual boot into Linux, which could be handy if Windows throws a wobbly – See Boot Camp 446 for details. Otherwise try an Open Source utility like Gnome Partition Editor, which is also free and based on Linux technology.

Q. My computer has stopped recognising the USB ports and when I plug in memory sticks or my iPod I get the message 'device not recognised'. Even my printer doesn't work. I am not sure what caused this to happen.  I tried to use the System Restore facility on various dates prior to when the problem started but the computer wont allow this. What has caused this problem and how can I rectify it?

Robert Missen, via email

A. All sorts of things can go wrong with USB connections, and don’t forget the obvious things, like checking cables and connections, but the most common problems are corrupted Root Hub drivers, or the ports being ‘suspended’ because a device has malfunctioned or has tried to draw too much power. Usually the port is reactivated after a reboot but occasionally it can remain switched off. In extreme cases there can also be problems with the BIOS and motherboard, but let’s not worry about that just yet.

My guess it will be one of the first two, so if you are using XP open Device Manager by pressing Winkey + Break then go to Hardware > Device Manager (in Vista press Winkey + Break > Device Manager). Scroll to the bottom of the list to display Universal Serial Bus Controllers and double click on it to expand the tree. If any entries have a yellow exclamation mark next to them right click on it, select Update Driver and follow the prompts – you may need to load the utilities disc that came with your PC or motherboard.

If no problems are flagged up right-click on each USB Root Hub entry, select Properties and make sure it is Enabled (in Vista try the Reset Hub option on the Advanced tab). If it is still playing up then I suggest that you work your way through the troubleshooting tips outlined in Microsoft Knowledgebase article 310575

Q. Several months ago I read about a gadget that lets you store data from digital camera memory cards, so you can save all your photos and re-use the card. I am particularly interested in this as my son is going on a 6 months round the world trek and this would be an excellent way of storing the photos he will take and avoid mixing up his memory cards.

Pat Martin, via email

A. There are several such devices on the market; most of them are just cleverly packaged notebook sized hard drives, some driver circuitry, card reader and a re-chargeable battery. Others add extra functions, like a viewing screen or even an MP3/media player. Typically they cost between £60 and £120, depending on the storage capacity. Google ‘memory card backup’ for a selection of models and options. You can also copy images from digicams to photo-capable iPods using an Apple Camera Connector.

However, the big problem with all of these products is have all of your apples in one basket, as it were, so if the backup device is damaged, lost or stolen, all of you images go with it. I would advise your son to backup the backup, by uploading his images to some web-based storage. A tiny PC like the Asus Eee takes makes an ideal travelling companion and takes up very little room. Otherwise friendly Internet cafes may oblige but he’ll need to take a compact USB card reader with him.    

If you have a computer problem write to: fff@telegraph.co.uk

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© R. Maybury 2008 2907