Windows 7: Making a Factory Restore/Backup

hi im wondering if for someone like me who has made there own PC from various parts none OEM, if theres a way to make a Factory Restore type thing so that if you need to wipe out your PC you can just push a button (like f2 to load factory Settings) type thing or if there's is something similar that i can do



thanks

I think the best thing to do is once your machine is updated, has all the programs you use on it, etc and is running well, create a full system image and save it to an external hard drive. Update the system image on a regular basis. It won't be a one click operation but you'd be able to restore your computer to the exact condition it was in at the time the latest image was made.

Sounds liek a Great plan , so basically when you Reformat/reinstall windows and put your basic programs that you use and update to the most current drivers at the time then make the image?

In a word - yes.

Some people make multiple images "just in case". They might make one immediately after installing the operating system and all updates and verifying that things work the way they should. Then make a second one after installing other programs. It really depends on what works for each person's needs.

The Windows 7 imaging tool (Start > Control Panel > Backup and Restore > Create system image) is a basic tool without too much flexibility. Some people have reported problems, others like myself have used it many times without any issues. Other free products you might consider are Macrium, Paragon, and EaseUS Todo. You could do an initial system image using Windows 7 (very straight-forward operation) along with the companion system repair disk (in case you machine ever fails to boot) and then play around with the other imaging tools.

ok thanks for the info its very helpful

You're very welcome.

ok just 1 question if i make a Image does that make everything on my Hard rive go into that image so if i restore the image it will be just like when i made the image?

Answer to your last question is yes. Here is a bit more info that might be useful: Imaging strategies

what 1 is better Paragon or EaseUS ?? i just want to make a weekly backup so that i can install 1 program on each mine and my mom's PC so it backs up to my Network PC

They are both OK. EaseUS may be a bit easier.