Windows Recovery Disk?

Question

Hi i just reinstalled windows 7 on my laptop and installed the drivers and settings i want i need a program to download that will let me create a recovery CD/DVD (not a repair disk) so that if i need to in the future i can just reformat with the disk and all the drivers and settings will be done once i start it back up

yes i had to install from a fresh disk because the recovery partion no longer boots so i want a dvd to have on the side so when i want to reinstall i can do so with an exact copy of how i have it now vs having to reinstall then go through each drive then program i need

Answer 1

Windows button > ControlPanel > backup and restore > " create a system image"

( also should create a repair disk, and create password recovery disk.)



Free, part of your Windows install, guaranteed to work on any Microsoft files and settings. When I ran through it on a fairly new desktop with Win 7 / Office 2010 and utilities, it was about 60GB for the image file. ( 64GB USB key) CD or DVD for the Repair disk, and an old 256mb/512mb USB key I use for password recovery. ( you could use a floppy if you have a drive)





edit - and, you could just use any cloning utility and copy the hard disk if you have a nearly-identical hd to spare. I have done that with Knoppix ( live DVD , free & easy linux), using the "dd" or "ddrescue" utility to clone block-by-block.

Answer 2

You can reuse the W7 install disc set to reinstall W7 onto the same laptop if and when needed so you do not need any other install or recovery disc set.

You can order the recovery disc set from the laptop manufacturer if it came installed on the laptop for a small fee.

You can create a cloned image of the hard drive to use to reinstall W7 onto the laptop or a new hard drive if it ever has to be replaced. Type free imaging / cloning software into search. I use Drive Image XML.

Answer 3

I think you're describing what a "disk imaging" tool can do for you.



You'll probably find that any of the ones listed here will be sufficient, and free:



http://lifehacker.com/5303067/five-best-free-system-restore-tools