Factory_Image D 1.59 GB Free of 11.0 GB

tammyc · 22 Jan 2013

Since this is a factory image does that mean it won't get any larger? This is the image to get it back to when it was purchased correct?

When I went to my backup and restore area in control panel it said there was no backup and restore set. I'm assuming I would have to get some dvds and back it up that way? If I do this will it just back up my settings NOW? and it does not save everything I've added as far as programs correct? It's just system settings?

I'm sorry if some of this is obvious to you all. I have taught myself a lot over the years about my computer but I still am learning. :) Any help greatly appreciated.

LittleJay · 22 Jan 2013

Hi tammyc and welcome to Seven Forums. Backup and Restore in the Control Panel is part of Windows 7 and not for the recovery partition on your computer. To use the recovery partition, there may be a program that will start it up listed in the start menu, or you may need to watch when your computer first boots up and it may tell you which key to use to enter to start the recovery process. The recovery partition shouldn't get any larger as it only contains the files needed to restore your computer to the way it came when you first bought it. If you restore your computer using the recovery partition, than yes, you will need to reinstall your programs and any personal files that you have saved, like pictures, music, documents, etc.

tammyc · 22 Jan 2013

ok so the backup and restore is something separate?

I'm trying to understand what I need to do. I've never made recovery discs or anything. I know I need to back up my computer. I have so many things I don't want to lose.

so.. if I decide to do the back up and restore to dvds will that save EVERYTHING for me like pictures, documents and programs that I've added since purchasing my computer? or is it more of a program where I pick what i want to back up to the dvds?? I'm not sure if I'm asking this the right way. lol I guess I'm wondering if the backup and restore is an image type of saving? Or individual files type of saving? does that make sense?