Reinstalling OS and or backing up and reinstalling everything?

[thewolfe]

1.I've had my computer for over a year and have it tweaked to my liking and so what would be the best way to be able to wipe out and re-install my computer just as it is today?

2. Same scenario except I would like to re-install Win7 only w/o a disk in hand, can I create a Win7 disk while my computer is running fine?

I'm sure you have some "tuts" you can point me to.

 

[wanchoo]

Take an image of the C (System Volume) Drive and then restore the image. But you achieve nothing with it because you become as you were.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

1.I've had my computer for over a year and have it tweaked to my liking and so what would be the best way to be able to wipe out and re-install my computer just as it is today?

2. Same scenario except I would like to re-install Win7 only w/o a disk in hand, can I create a Win7 disk while my computer is running fine?

I'm sure you have some "tuts" you can point me to.

Regarding question 1: the only way to do this is to use an imaging application to make an image of the C drive as it is now. You can do this with Windows itself or with any of several third party applications, such as Macrium Reflect Free Edition, Acronis, or EaseUS Todo Backup.

Regarding question 2: go to mydigitallife.info and download an ISO file for your particular version of Windows. Burn the ISO to a blank DVD. You now have a Windows 7 installation disc that can be activated with your existing Product Key.

If you have an OEM-built PC, you can probably also make a set of "recovery disks" that will allow you to restore your PC to the way it was when shipped (NOT the way it is today). The recovery disks will result in a Windows 7 installation, but only to factory specifications. The disks do NOT have the flexibility of a standard Windows 7 installation disc, such as what you would get if you burned the mydigitallife.info ISO.