So off we go in search of the new backup features in Windows Vista:

1. Start
2. Control Panel
3. Backup and Restore Center
4. Back up computer

The first thing you’ll notice is that you can only backup to a local hard drive or multiple DVDs.  This is fine if you’ve got a USB hard drive or a bunch of DVD’s.  However, I want to backup to a network location (i.e. UNC path).  Enter the powerful WBAdmin utility.  TO THE COMMAND PROMPT ROBIN!

Here’s how your would do a one time backup to a network share:

1. Command Prompt
2. wbadmin start backup -backupTarget:UNC_PATH_HERE -include:C: -quiet
3. Grab a healthy snack and watch your ones and zeros zing across the network

Now let’s take a look at automating this job with the Task Scheduler:

1. Start
2. Control Panel
3. Administrative Tools
4. Task Scheduler
5. Action
6. Create Basic Task
7. Give it a name like “Technullogy Rocks”
8. Set your schedule on the “Task Trigger” screen
9. Select “Start a program” on the “Action” screen
10. Enter “wbadmin.exe” in the “Program/script” textbox
11. Under “Add arguments” type “start backup -backupTarget:UNC_PATH_HERE -include:C: -quiet” (without quotes)
12. Click Finish and do a happy dance (be sure your friends don’t see this step – it could lead to a an awkward moment)