New laptop

[rbenn55]

Hello everyone, I just bought a new laptop. I did not want to spend the extra money having someone else do it for me. I want to know how to back everything up. I have all of the DVDs to use. I need to be pointed into the right direction.

 

[The Howling Wolves]

Go into Control Panel and do a system restore first then when completed do a back up on a monthly basis or when new software/hardware added.
Post back when completed.

 

[pebbly]

Hi rbenn55 ,Have a look at our tutorials http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/257-windows-7-tutorial-index.html#post1065 they will provde everything you need to know on backing up

 

[theog]

Can you post your specs.
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/22550-filling-out-system-specs.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/6936-dont-know-what-hardware-you-have.html
VistaForums SysInfo Tool - Vista Forums

 

[whs]

Backing up on DVDs is messy (except for burning the recovery partition). Do you have an external disk? - If not, I suggest you get one. They are not expensive (around $60 to $70 for 500GBs). Then you can image your system priodically: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?ltr=I

 

[ignatzatsonic]

You have to decide what you want to back up.

Your data?

Your Windows installation?

Both?

Software discs?

Is your data on the same partition as Windows itself?

 

[Imperfect1]

If you haven't set up your new system yet, be sure to follow the directions for creating restore disks as you're setting up your system for the first time. Yes, it takes a while to complete the process, but it's well worth it if you ever need the disks in the future.

 

[rbenn55]

If you haven't set up your new system yet, be sure to follow the directions for creating restore disks as you're setting up your system for the first time. Yes, it takes a while to complete the process, but it's well worth it if you ever need the disks in the future.

I did this. So everything is done. Plus you are correct in that it took awhile to get done.

 

[gregrocker]

If you every need to restore to factory condition, run the Recovery Partition from boot and not the disks - it's more stable. Only use the Recovery disks if the HD or Recov partition fails.

Another method to transfer files is via the network. Enable sharing for both machines then copy each User folder's contents (using Organize>Select All) to same empty User folder in new install.

 

[Imperfect1]

If you every need to restore to factory condition, run the Recovery Partition from boot and not the disks - it's more stable. Only use the Recovery disks if the HD or Recov partition fails.

Another method to transfer files is via the network. Enable sharing for both machines then copy each User folder's contents (using Organize>Select All) to same empty User folder in new install.

Good to know. Thanks Greg!

 

[thehappyman]

Hello everyone, I just bought a new laptop. I did not want to spend the extra money having someone else do it for me. I want to know how to back everything up. I have all of the DVDs to use. I need to be pointed into the right direction.

Like WHS says, if theres any way you can afford it, get an external USB drive for the backing up. It will save you an enormous amount of work and a LOT of headaches You dont want to use CD's or DVD's