Backup DVDs for a compaq

Hello, I told my mother to buy a compaq since she's just facebooking and doing crosswords. I went to her place to create the image of her PC, since a compaq does not come with a win7 DVD. Only a home premium cd-key sticked to the side of the case. I insert my DVD+R and use the win7 tool to create an image, and it asks me to format the DVD+R, I just can't, it is not DVD+RW. Pressing cancel will just stop the process, so I click accept, and it format the DVD+R then burn the DVD-01, test it, and it says : DVD corrupted insert a new one, which will be the new DVD-01. It's obvious that it could not work with a DVD that isn't rewritable, anyway, how can I create an image for her PC without buying a DVD+RW or DVD-RW? I have like 150 DVD+R, I find it kinda retarded from Microsoft. I might be missing something, please help, I'd like to create the image as soon as possible, she only has her anti-virus and firefox installed and the system is still super clean.

I don't want to, if the HDD is to die in 3 years, I'll need the DVDs

I wasn't clear sorry, I don't mind buying 3 DVD-RW for $5, it's just that it's illogical for windows 7 to enforce the use of rewritables, and before buying them I want to make sure it's really the fault of my DVD+R and not windows'.

Are you talking about the Compaq rescue images?

Have you tried another disc?
Perhaps there was something on that one or it was defective which is why it was asking you to erase it.

Forcing you to create a rescue disc with a re-writable just doesnt make sense.

I tried 3 disks, with the windows 7 tool, is there a compaq tool?

They used to have a way of making rescue discs from the special partition, and would take 2-3 DVDs.
Its been awhile, and with Win7 having built in Imaging they may no longer do this.

You loose all personal DATA with theirs though. It just re-images the drive as it was the day you bought it.

If i were you, I would do as JonathanKing has suggested.

Pick up a external HD, or another HD and just make periodic backups of the entire drive. much easier and far less headache tbh.

Jacee said:

It specifically says (system image backup) using DVD RW ... it will take about 15 GBs.

You could order repair disks from Compaq though. They will charge you for the disks and shipping.

I've been looking around in windows help and I cannot find anywhere that says DVD RW needed, I'll take your word and buy RW ones.