Windows 7 - Restore discs for windows 7??

so i got a new gateway with windows 7 premium, thing is it didnt come with install/restore discs. how do i back up windows 7 and my system to restore discs?

Hello Bob, and welcome to Seven Forums.

You should have an option to burn a set of Windows 7 Recovery Discs from your computer. One will be the "Windows 7 recovery disc", and the other a "Applications and Drivers Recovery disc". The link below from Gateway can help show you how to.

Gateway Support - Create System Recovery Discs for the Applications and Drivers External Media in the Gateway Recovery Center

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks a lot, darn gateway so cheap they couldnt include restore discs. Ill have a look...tipped ya scales.

On a similar note, suppose you buy a Windows 7 laptop from a place like BestBuy and it comes pre-loaded with tons of bloatwear and a pre-partitioned drive. Do those computers come with an Windows 7 install disk? Could you re-format and re-install Windows 7 with the disks you get WITHOUT all the bloatwear?

Also, what does a "Restore Disc" do for you? does it just make an image of the current disc state?

Yes the Restore Disk set returns the computer to factory condition with bloatware.

Most tech enthusiasts borrow or obtain a clean copy installer of their version of Windows 7 to install sans bloatware: Clean Install Windows 7

In Windows 7 as with Vista, the retail and OEM installer are the same, with some versions hidden due to the presence of an ei.cfg file in Sources. You can extract the ISO, delete that file, then recompile the ISO to burn an All-Versions DVD using this: Bootable ISO - Create from Installation Files

Make sure you select your correct licensed version to install. Afterwards insert the Product Key on sticker at Computer>Properties activation link.

Any missing drivers or apps can be found on the Support Downloads page for your model computer, from Adobe (flash, Reader) and Java (runtime, free Ofc suite).

You're welcome. Yeah, not many of them come with the discs anymore.

Yup, so I always hear about said bloatware what is it and can I remove it?

already deleted couple things like norton and free game trials

It's just the junk programs that came preinstalled on your computer. Usually trial or demo programs, or just the ones you do not want. You can just uninstall anyone of these through Program and Features in the Control Panel.

Hi there
a bit late now but possibly of help to others buying a new computer IN STORE rather than from the Internet.

When you buy the computer haggle with the salesman to throw in at least a copy of Windows 7 Home premium - it won't cost the store much and in todays economic climate they will probably throw one in.

Often a Copy of Office is included with a new computer (Student & Teacher edition) -- so offer to swap that for Windows 7 instead .

Most stores - even surprising unexpected places like Dixon Digital in the UK will do this -- if the Salesman won't do it just ask to speak to the manager -- there's no harm or Stigma in doing this and the worst that can happen is they say no --so what have you lost.

99% of the time you'll have your computer and a nice fresh copy of Windows 7 - so when you get home make your Backup as per the instructions -- then WIPE the disk and install your nice NEW copy of Windows 7 Bloat free.

I just bought a new Netbook in Manchester UK for 249 GBP ( I can get 17.5% VAT back next weekend when I'm flying home for a few days just get the VAT chitty to HM customs at the airport) and I still got a copy of Windows 7 home premium thrown in.

(The netbook came with XP Home installed - I want Windows 7 - although a technet suscriber I always like to haggle and bargain in these types of shops -- I'm NOT from the middle east either It just makes the chore of shopping more fun).

I find a Netbook indespensible these days and it makes flying so much easier as I've got a Professional Photographers jacket with loads of LARGE pockets so this doesn't even have to go as Hand Luggage either. I just walk straight off the plane at the other end - no luggage to pick up etc.

Cheers
jimbo