Solved windows 7 pre-installed

[coup d etat]

My computer came with windows 7 pre-installed.However, absolutely no windows 7 software came with the computer. How do I make a copy for myself for when I need to do a complete re install? Does this seems like a necessary safeguard?:sarc:

 

[not so gray matter]

You didn't get a windows installation DVD? You need to call up the company that you bought your computer from and request one. In the mean time you can create a recovery dvd.

# In Control Panel, click System and Security (System and Security), and then click Backup and Restore (Backup and Restore).

# In the left pane, click Create a system recovery disk (Create a system recovery disc);

# Insert a blank CD in the DVD, and then click Create Disk (Create Disc).

Once the disk is created you can test it by attempting to boot from it.

You should also download a program like Macrium Reflect Free Edition.

Once you've download that program, open it and choose the option to create a Boot Disk. When it asks you which system you want to use, choose linux instead of BartPe. Once the disk is created you can test it just like you tested the Recovery Disk.

Now that you have both a recovery disk and a boot disk from macrium, create a backup of your current C:\ partition on an external hard drive if you have one. If not, I think you can use disks?

You can also use Windows to do the backing up, but I've found that Windows backup tends to malfunction more often than not.

 

[Kari]

To add to NSGM's excellent tip above, use Windows Backup (or a third party application) to create a system image. Read this tutorial to learn how: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html.

It is recommend you create a system image before installing any additional software. Personally I have a system where I create an image when Windows is installed, before any drivers and software. Then after installing drivers, I'll create another image, and after installing all applications and software I'll create a third one. This way I can always restore my computer to any of the three states: basic Windows installation, the same with drivers, and finally a complete installation (I am over cautious, I know ).

Computers delivered with a pre-installed operating system normally have a Recovery partition, which allows the user to burn a set of installation disks. Check your computer's manuals and / or ask from the manufacturer's tech support how to do this on your computer.

Kari

 

[whs]

System imaging is the best protection. I image every morning when the system boots and then I backup one image per week and eventually one per month. Thus I have an image trail all the way back to the initial installation and can reset my system to any point in time (a reset takes about 20 minutes). I have posted 2 tutorials on the matter.
1. a short version to get started: Image your system with free Macrium - Vista Forums
2. a comprehensive video that explains the whole cycle from start to end: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?ltr=I

 

[coup d etat]

end of thread.
readers can find solutions in any of the above replies. thanks everyone.


Solution - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/174907-clean-install-factory-coa-activation-key.html

 

[darkhorse]

You didn't get a windows installation DVD? You need to call up the company that you bought your computer from and request one. In the mean time you can create a recovery dvd.

# In Control Panel, click System and Security (System and Security), and then click Backup and Restore (Backup and Restore).

# In the left pane, click Create a system recovery disk (Create a system recovery disc);

# Insert a blank CD in the DVD, and then click Create Disk (Create Disc).

Once the disk is created you can test it by attempting to boot from it.

You should also download a program like Macrium Reflect Free Edition.

Once you've download that program, open it and choose the option to create a Boot Disk. When it asks you which system you want to use, choose linux instead of BartPe. Once the disk is created you can test it just like you tested the Recovery Disk.

Now that you have both a recovery disk and a boot disk from macrium, create a backup of your current C:\ partition on an external hard drive if you have one. If not, I think you can use disks?

You can also use Windows to do the backing up, but I've found that Windows backup tends to malfunction more often than not.

Why not use the BartPE ?