Using the Control Panel Use the Control Panel to maintain your computer
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This article, Using the Control Panel, was last updated on 31 July 2009 and is now out of date and held in our online archive for reference. Explore our latest Technology articles.
System and maintenance
When you click the System and Maintenance link in the Control Panel, you’ll be presented with a wide selection of utilities for monitoring and maintaining your PC.
In each case, clicking on the heading in green will take you to the full set of tools in each category. Quick links to many of the most common tasks are provided in blue text under each heading.
Among the more useful options here are the Backup and Restore Center and the Device Manager. Click on the links to explore those.
Backup files to a DVD disc using the Control Panel
The options under Backup and Restore Center will depend on which version of Windows Vista you have. If you’re using Vista Home Premium, you’ll be offered Back up files or Restore files. Vista Ultimate users will also be able to back up or restore their whole computer using Windows Complete PC Backup.
In this instance, we want to back up documents, pictures and music files to a DVD.
Back up and Restore Center
Click on Backup and Restore Center > then click on the button Back up files.
Click Continue on the User Account Control warning that appears.
Hard disk
On the next screen, make sure there’s a check next to On a hard disk, CD or DVD and ensure that your CD/DVD drive is selected in the drop-down menu > click Next.
The files you want to back up
On the Back Up Files screen that appears, put a tick next to all the types of files you want to back up > click Next.
Back up files regularly
You should back up your files regularly – on this screen it’s possible to set a schedule.
Choose the frequency, day and time you want to perform your backups from now on > click Save settings and start backup.
Insert a blank DVD into your disc drive and click OK to continue.
