Automated System Recovery replaces the Emergency Repair Disk used by NT a'nd 2000 Professional and it uses the Backup tool to backup up important system files used 'to start Windows XP. Automated System Recovery does not backup data files (although the Backup program can be used to back up data too). To create an Automated System Recovery disk, you will need a 1.44 MB floppy disk and -media such as a CD (if the machine has a CD-RW drive) or tape (for a tape drive). The floppy is used to boot the system and then you can restore the files if the hard drive crashes or operating system is inoperable.

To access the Backup tool, which is used to back up the system files, click on the Start button, point to the All Programs option, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and click on the Backup option. The Backup wizard begins. On the initial screen, click on the words Advanced Mode. The words are underlined in the window. Click on the Tools menu option and select ASR Wizard. The" Automated System Recovery wizard starts.

To use the disk and media created with Automated System Recovery, you will need the floppy disk created when the system was backed up, the back up media written to when the system was backed up, and the original Windows XP CD. Start the computer using the Windows XP CD. During the Setup process, press the F2 key. A 'prompt appears to insert the Automated System Recovery floppy disk into the floppy drive. Insert the disk and follow the screen directions to restore the system.