How to make a backup of Windows 7 OS

BIG4570 · 27 Nov 2009

I just picked up a new laptop with windows 7 on it. It didn't come with any discs and I'd like to make a backup a copy of the OS for re-store discs. Is it possible?

torrentg · 27 Nov 2009

No.

BIG4570 · 27 Nov 2009

So what do I do if I need to format my hard drive?

torrentg · 27 Nov 2009

Obtain a DVD of Windows 7 through authorized purchase. If it was legally included on your machine at purchase, contact the vendor for a DVD.

BIG4570 · 27 Nov 2009

I already purchased a valid copy when I bought the laptop with Windows 7 pre-installed.

ThePurifier · 27 Nov 2009

Go to Start Menu and type backup and click Backup & Restore - can make a whole system image there

torrentg · 27 Nov 2009

He means for a new clean install - "backup a copy of the OS"

But ya, that's a fine idea too.

Personally, I'd want the clean install DVD.

Brink · 27 Nov 2009

Hello BIG4570, and welcome to Seven Forums.

What brand is your laptop? Most of them have the option to create a set of OEM Windows 7 Recovery Discs from to use them, or your recovery partition, to do a factory restore of Windows 7 with.

You can also use the System Image Backup feature in Windows 7 to make a clone of your current installation with that can be used to restore it back as it was.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

BIG4570 · 27 Nov 2009

Thanks all, its a Gateway NV Series. With Winows 7 Premium 64bit. Just a question about creating a system image. If someday I pick up some kind of funky virus, will it format the drive first then restore the image of my system at the time the image was created?

PhreePhly · 27 Nov 2009

BIG4570,

You should be able to contact Gateway and get a set of system discs. OEMs are required to provide the install media by their contract with MS. As Brink noted above, your system may have a tool to create media. I would contact Gateway and just tell them that you want install media. They may charge a shipping fee to send to you.

PhreePhly