I want to copy some programs to a USB flash drive however whenever I try all I get is the short cut, which is going to be useless if reinstall my windows XP.
I could do with some advice on how to overcome this.
Any help gtatefully received.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ray steward

I want to copy some programs to a USB flash drive however whenever I try all I get is the short cut, which is going to be useless if reinstall my windows XP.
I could do with some advice on how to overcome this.
Any help gtatefully received.

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Try drag the mouse cursor over the files to highlight them, press CRTL-C (CTRL button first and then hit C while holing CTRL down). This will copy the files.

Then open the USB Drive folder, and press CTRL-V (that will paste a copy of the files into that location)

Ray, what do you mean by programs
Are they setup files or installed programs??

Sounds like you are trying to copy the shortcut. You can't copy an installed programs, you have to copy the original installtion files.

Thanks gents
TJ3 no luck with your method so far, will eep trying
Jaspreet It's the installed programs
Scottgem I'm going to Start then programs the installation files do not seem to be available

They wouldn't be. You need to go back to the disk or file you installed from.

They wouldn't be. You need to go back to the disk or file you installed from.

You can't run the installed program just by copying it on else where
Becoz when we install a program on computer thy do many things like registering software, making registry key etc

If you want to back up your software then do this

Go to my computer right click the partition you want to back up then go to tools tab and click the backup button and follow the instructions

Thanks to all, I will now try the backup to DVD method, there are many programs for that.

Hello ray:

I don't know about you, but I don't see any reason to back up programs that I already have the disks for or can download again. I only back up my personal data, and a flash drive is perfect for that.

excon

Thanks excon, I'll learn!

There are basically two types of backups; a file backup and system backup. The purpose of the system backup is to replace your entire hard drive if it has to be replaced. Software like Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image is best for that as it makes a sector by sector image of your drive.

A file backup protects your data if a file is accidentally deleted or you need to go back to an earlier version. Such a backup is only necessary for data files.

A full system backup can save you time eliminating the need to reinstall the OS and programs, but as long as you have your installation disks you don't absolutely need a system backup.

Check this that I found:

eHomeUpgrade | Move Me - Transfer Installed Applications, Settings, Files from One PC to Another

Maybe this will do the trick and this is what you are looking for, have never tried it so if someone has please comment, thanks.