I can NOT get it to back up to a DVD

A few comments for what they are worth...
I can do (Windows) file/folder backup and image to DVD+R (TDK) but honestly it is VERY slow. For some reason a full file/folder backup File/folder backup of around 3GB user data can over an hour. Then there is the endless debate on the reliability of DVD media and long term stability of typical low cost rewriters.

Low cost internal or external USB HDD are the way to go. I believe you need at least 2 because they do fail. I also use 2 imaging programs which are both "free" - MS imaging and Macrium Reflect (free). I'll probably buy the upgraded Macrium. 50GB imaging takes me around 25 min with both MS and Macrium on default settings. Restore about the same time if not a little faster.

In my opinion storing an image on a seperate partition is ok for:
(1) initial trial when you first get your system
(2) sometimes your OS just breaks and a reimage from the other partition could be faster. But still not ideal.

FWIW: a lot of people have experienced problems backing up or doing a system image to DVDs. Apparently the brand of DVD burner in the computer, the brand of DVDs being used, whether the DVDs are + or -, RW or R, and the burning speed all contribute to success or failure. Some people have also discovered that using a blank DVD right out of the box causes problems unless it's formatted first separate from the formatting done by the Win 7 back up or imaging. A Microsoft user forum talks about some of the issues (going back to when 7 was in Beta and never fully addressed by Microsoft.)

Problems creating system image onto DVD-RW

[/QUOTE]
Given that it is an HP, you should create your DVD restoration set first, however, and then store those discs in a safe place.[/QUOTE]

JDog42

Definitely make your HP restore disks. Usually takes 2-3 DVD's.
This only takes you to your original system but you will need them possibly one day.

I'm a newbie on this forum.
I just built this system I am using 3 weeks ago. My first build. My first Win7.
Always had HP's with XP Pro the past eight years plus.

I mention this only to recommend what I have found the past few weeks.
You need two hard drives unfortunately.
Even if the second is a small external for back-up and a sytem image.
I didn't want to spend the extra $$$ either but I did.

All the pre-built PC's should come with an advisory in large enough lettering to read.

"It is highly recommended that you have an external storage device over 50GB in size to store backup files and images.
Not included."


As I said earlier I didn't really want to spend the extra money right now but it was the best alternative.

Good luck.
Mike

Having said that, saving a Image to a DVD should be possible. But you will need to Create a backup image to a Hard Drive 1st. Then burn that image to a DVD as a DATA disc.

Saving an image directly to a DVD is an option with Windows and 3rd party imaging software.
In the past I restored from a windows 7 DVD image made directly to the DVDs in the first instance.
But as stated many times before practice seems to indicate that DVDs are not a good choice.