Complete system backup help

[danger47]

I want to make a cd or dvd of my complete os with my isp's info intact and antivirus installed and other apps. Is this possible????

I'm tired of crashes, formatting, or other problems and want something to be able to start fresh and not worry. My Isp info is important because it usually takes them anywhere from half and hour up to 2 hours just to get me back online.

I've never made an iso before so please have patience with me. I'm not a stupid person, but I do have some health issues regarding brain tumours at this time. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
thanx in advance
danger47

 

[Dave76]

The best way to get a copy of your OS and personal data is to make an image backup and store it on one or two different HDDs, just not on your OS HDD.
This will enable you to get an exact copy of your current OS and all installed programs and settings.
If you need to restore it, everything will be exactly as it was the day you made the backup.

It is a good idea to make an initial backup and save it in case of severe problems, then make a backup on a regular basis, once a week or once a month to save all of your personal data as well as any new installed programs. It will depend on your storage capacity.

The highly recommended and free Macrium Reflect.
Macrium Reflect free edition

There is a good tutorial on how to use this program:
Imaging with free Macrium

This tutorial will explain how to use it and you can post any questions on that thread.

 

[Sbrideau]

Macrium Reflect free is defenetly a good program to accomplish what you want. I recently started to use it, and it is the best free one I've used so far.

 

[Golden]

Hi Danger,

I highly recommend Dave's suggestions. There are many people here that can help you with this, if you need it.

Regards,
Golden

 

[dreamer]

Dave gave you the best advice.I use Macrium and make regular backups of my OS.My advice is to make a backup of your OS sans installed programs and another backup containing all your installed programs including your anti virus as well as ISP info...That way you will have the choice of choosing appropriate backups based on your needs.

 

[kado897]

I don't recommend backing up to a series of DVDs there is just too much that can go wrong. I suggest a cheap $50 USB attached HDD. You can use the built in Windows Imaging system with this but like others here I use Macrium as my main backup tool.

 

[whs]

Here is a selection of reasonably priced external HDDs - in about the middle of the webpage ( Storage Devices Deals - Deals2buy.com ) Another option is an external dock (there is one for less than $14 on the page) and then you can buy cheaper internal HDDs. In the long run that is the cheapest approach,

But as kado said, do not use DVDs for imaging. An image is at least 10GBs and may be as much as 30 or 40GBs. One DVD will only hold 4.7GB. And anyhow, it is good practice to image the system (and data) frequently - e.g. once per week so that you always have an up-to-date status to which you can revert. With DVDs you would go nuts just managing the pile. With an external HDD that is no sweat and you can keep a selection of images - e.g. if you want to retrieve something from an earlier point in time. The Macrium images mount as a VHD by just double clicking on them.

 

[danger47]

Thanks to everyone!!! I feel better knowing it's possible even for me to learn how to properly backup a computer. I will post later on when I've started and how it's going. Probably about a week from now, too many doc appointments this coming week. I really appreciate all the responses and help

 

[kado897]

You are welcome danger. Any problems and you know where we are.

 

[Dave76]

Take your time, we'll be here when you get back.