How to create Windows 7 recovery discs?

  • Thread starter Thread starter pro_learner
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Windows windows 7
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around creating recovery discs for Windows 7, specifically addressing the confusion between recovery discs, backup processes, and system images. Participants share their experiences and seek clarification on the requirements and methods for creating these discs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that their recovery partition is filled with 103GB, leading them to believe they need 25-30 DVDs for recovery, questioning if this is correct or if it pertains to backup.
  • Another participant states that a recovery disc for Windows 7 typically requires only one DVD, contrasting with the need for multiple DVDs for a full data backup.
  • A claim is made that creating a backup of all data would necessitate many DVDs, while a system repair disk can be created to recover from serious OS issues.
  • One participant shares their experience of using three DVDs to back up over 30GB, suggesting that compression may be involved.
  • Another participant challenges the idea that Windows compression could achieve such a high compression ratio, expressing skepticism about the completeness of the backup.
  • There is a suggestion that users may be backing up selected files and folders rather than a complete system, recommending the use of an external drive for comprehensive backups.
  • A participant inquires about the process of creating a system image and how it differs from creating a backup, seeking further clarification.
  • One participant explains that a system image captures the computer's settings, allowing recovery from changes that may disrupt functionality, providing a personal example related to video card updates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the number of DVDs required for recovery versus backup, with some asserting that only one DVD is needed for recovery while others believe multiple discs are necessary for full backups. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness and completeness of the backup methods discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various methods and tools for creating backups and recovery discs, but there are uncertainties regarding the specifics of compression, the completeness of backups, and the distinctions between recovery discs and system images.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking guidance on creating recovery and backup solutions for Windows 7, particularly those with HP laptops or similar systems, may find this discussion beneficial.

pro_learner
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I have Windows 7 OS in my HP laptop.I bought it before about 1 year.I still didn't created the recovery discs.Actually i tried to do it.One of my friend who has done it(but in Windows Vista,not in 7),told me that i just need 4-5 DVDs to do that.But when i was checked my recovery partition there is about 103GB filled.So i need about 25-30 DVDs! Am i correct? or is it a backup?Not recovery?Is there any other way to do recovery??Please help me IT experts?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
If you do a full recovery, then yes you will need that many discs.

I'm surprised your laptop didn't come with a Windows disc of some form.

A recovery disc for just Windows 7 is only 1 DVD.
 
A recovery disk for the OS is usually a single DVD. A back-up of all the data on the computer would take many, many dvd's. If you want to back-up all your data, you will want to buy an external hard disk. If you want to just create a back-up of the operating system, you can create a disk in windows "System Restore".

Type "Backup and Restore" into the start menu search bar at the bottom of the pop-up start menu.

The first option should say "Backup and Restore", select this option.

In the window the comes up, on the left side it should say "Create a system repair disk".

This will walk you through creating a system repair disk should something befall the OS.

This disk will help you recover from a fatal error of sorts such as a potent virus or a serious register or driver error. It will not be able to create a fresh install on a new machine.
 
After the repair disk, I selected the backup option, and it took (3) 4.7 gig DVD's to backup 30+gigs. As such, I assume some sort of compression is in play.
 
pallidin said:
After the repair disk, I selected the backup option, and it took (3) 4.7 gig DVD's to backup 30+gigs. As such, I assume some sort of compression is in play.

The compression used by Windows isn't capable of that sort of compression ratio. At least not as far as I'm aware.

I wouldn't think it's backing up all of your stuff with only three discs.
 
More likely than not, you are backing up selected file and folders. I would really suggest using an external drive to make a complete back-up. As frequently as you would need to make complete back-ups of your data it really doesn't make sense to use all those DVD's that will be pretty much useless after the next back-up. The system recovery disk will help you out if you ever need to fix your pc is something should keep it from starting up. The disk is also what you'll use to restore the data you backed up on an external drive.

If you decide that you would prefer to burn disks you'll just have to accept that you will have to use a whole lot of dvd's.
 
ok...thnx for your help.I got the idea.But the thing is i want to know that how can i create a system image??Because there is an option calls Create a System Image?Is that difference from creating a backup??Plz tell me...
 
A system image is like taking a snap-shot of your computers settings. This will allow you to recover the computer if you change something as administrator that breaks your computer.

For example:
I use system image before I update my Nvidia video card. In my experience the first release of a Nvidia driver will almost always break my system either resulting in me being unable to log in or not being able to see anything on the screen. I'll use the system image to recover my previous settings when I can't roll the driver back manually.
 
ok...i got it...Thnx...:):)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
7K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 86 ·
3
Replies
86
Views
11K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
6K