Repair MBR - Can I still use factory DVD backups?

[johnwy]

Hello

I need to repair MBR. However I am worried that I will not be able to use recovery DVDs I made when I bought the computer. I have made these DVDs using Samsung Recovery Solution 5.

On the internet I have read that people can no longer use F4 to boot into recovery, because laptop manufacturers use custom MBR. However I can not find one single post about if it works by using recovery DVDs instead (and not use F4, but boot through DVD)

So to summarize: Can I use recovery DVDs if I repair MBR, on a Samsung laptop with custom MBR?

Thanks!

 

[andrew129260]

You do not need recovery disks. You can clean install by downloading the official iso and following this guide:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[johnwy]

I thought about it, but I would like to use the recovery DVDs because I do not have time nor the skills to make a copy of drivers, know which one to download etc. Besides, the DVDs I made is basically image of the computer so it will make it faster to set it up for me.

Thanks for all help.

 

[whs]

Make an image of the system. With that you can recover in 20 minutes. For all instructions see here:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?ltr=I

 

[BJB]

You face the classic dilemma here - you have created a system image using SRS5 but have no way of knowing if it will work without putting your entire system at risk by trying it. Providing the system is operational at present them whs has given you the answer - image your system as it is now using the proven Macrium Reflect. That way, should your SRS5 image fail to restore, you can get quickly back to where you are now. However be aware, if your image does work, you will lose everything you have added since the image was created - that means all your personal files and all software and customisation you have added.

So the key question is why do you need to repair your MBR? What is wrong with your computer?

 

[gregrocker]

You've been given several good options but I wanted to correct your misimpression that you need a bunch of drivers to reinstall Win7, which is a driver-complete OS in the installer and via Windows Update.

This is all covered in detail in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 should you like to experience native WIn7 performance without the bloatware or duplicate utilities which interfere with better versions built into Win7.