If you're not big on backing up every byte on your computer, at least take advantage of Windows XP's System Restore (link courtesy of The Elder Geek).  See also Microsoft Windows XP System Restore (MS), System Restore for Windows XP at Kelly's Korner, and Maximizing ''System Restore'' In WinME and WinXP (an Informationweek article by Fred Langa).

There is also the Windows XP Backup Utility (link from MS) which lets the user backup a system's state as well as files and other settings.  The Elder Geek also has sections on backing up, including one entitled Protecting The Windows XP System and Data.  No real surprise, Microsoft also has help on backing up... check out Backing up your computer files.  So does About.com... one of their newsletters gave this item, called Backing Up Your PC Data.

By the way, if you're using Windows XP Home Edition, you may have noticed that the Backup utility isn't installed by default.  Again, The Elder Geek has these instructions for fixing that.

Another backup option is the Files And Settings Transfer Wizard.  Another link on FSTW is here at PC Magazine.  Ok so it's not a backup tool, strictly speaking, actually they call it a migration tool.  But I don't really give a **** what they call it.  It backs things up, it restores them later, close enough to be in the backup category.  One last url on the subject, called Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating Files and Settings (MS TechNet).

Lincoln Spector (mostly of PC World fame) wrote "Get in a Good Habit: Back Up Your Data... If you don't back up your entire hard drive, you should at least protect the vital bits. Here's how to get started".  He also has this one called "How to Evade Data Disaster 26 smart strategies for backing up your most vital files--and for recovering them if you didn't".  He also wrote "Move It On Over", a how-to on transferring docs and settings from an old PC to a new one.

You might also want to consider a backup batch file like Fred Langa's, or even something like the one I made... They could serve as a starting point for a backup of your own.

Need a free program to make backups? Check these out.

Point?... yes we need a point here... which is, whatever you use to make backups of things, stick with it.  And if you don't have a backup plan, get one or make one.  Ask yourself, 'If my hard drive bit the dust right now, could I make up the loss with backups?'  If not, or if you're not sure, it's probably time to back up stuff.

Have I said enough??... or too much?  Make backups!  Not to sound like a nagging old granny, but believe me, you don't want to end up like the desperate cases on Windows forums, the ones who ask how to get their priceless docs off a trashed hard drive.