doing back up (my 1st time)

FirstTimer4Me

hiya

im setting up this machine http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.207-0828.aspx

on the bottom right hand side it has a flag when i click on it it says "set up backup" can someone help me please

is this a complete back up for the machine?

is it a factory restore backup / os backup - for example if ever the machine crashed can i insert a disc to take it back to its original setting

can i back up to a disc? if so can i use one of these? dvd+4 4.7 gb or vd-rw 650mb

i think thats it for now

sorry for all the questions today

debitcardmayhem

that would be windows 7 backup it will give you the option to create a system image too. you can use dvd or external hdd. Also I suggest you use the create system repair disc too control panel/back up restore/crate repair disk put that on to a dvd and keep it safe

FireFox

As dcm says that warning will be coming from Windows Back up and Restore Service.

With Windows 7 you now have an alternative to the manufacturer's recovery/restore facility.
Your Compaq should have both -
Windows 7 Back up FAQ
HP/Compaq Recovery Manager

Personally I would take advantage of your laptop's clean state and do as many different back ups as are available but be warned - you may need a few of those DVDs!

FirstTimer4Me

ok thanks for the help

my main concern is having a disc with system restore on it in the event of the laptop crashing etc., etc., i only use the machine manily for surfing / emails most of my personal stuff is on my desktop machine.

if its possible for me to do it what size disc would i need to do a system restore

debitcardmayhem

Control Panel/Backup Restore/Create System Image select DVD Writer select next then it will say how much space it requires. Better now before you load up too much stuff on it. Then back up regularly.

FirstTimer4Me

i just noticed recovery manager within the start menu i clicked on it and it looks simple enough to use i take It this will create discs for factory settings which is what i need

FirstTimer4Me

i used recovery manager and created factory settings backup - it used 3 cds this is my 1st ever backup and i'm proud i managed to do it without asking for help

but can i now ask - as i've done a factory settings backup - do i need to ever back up again - if so - how often - and do i use the same 3 discs that i used for the original back?

ta if anyone can help

debitcardmayhem

Well done, I posted an answer about backup message on your other thread. Don't re-use these discs these are your ultimate fallback Keep them in a cool dark room and out of harms way , just don't forget where you put them . Start the next backup using new disks, and then the next on another set then rotate these two sets(others might say 3,4,sets its personal preference. One thing about your backup if it was done with the recovery manager can you boot from them? or do you need the recovery partition on the hard disk if the system goes Cyanistes up. If it is not standalone it might be worth looking another option.

FirstTimer4Me

hiya

thanks for helpin i think i understand what your saying but can i just ask todays 3 discs i put away until if - whenever the machine goes pear shapped!

Why do i ned some more discs if i've already backed up today?

One thing about your backup if it was done with the recovery manager can you boot from them?

not sure what you mean the end message on the machine said only 1 factory settings backup is allowed - put discs in a safe place

or do you need the recovery partition on the hard disk if the system goes Cyanistes up. If it is not standalone it might be worth looking another option

sorry but i don't know what you mean

sorry for not understand what may be simple tasks

debitcardmayhem

Ok I looked at the recovery manager link you posted above and it seems that the disks should be bootable ( what i mean is if your laptop hard disk is replaced or if some reason you cannot get into windows then you can use this set of disks to return your lappy back to its factory shipped state ie how it is now) by bootable you set the laptop to boot from DVD/CD first and the recovery program on the 1st disk will be loaded rather than windows.
By recovery Partition there is an area on your laptop disk which contains the recovery program and settings which you could need as described above in the need of serious problems. When you switch on your laptop this option is selected by pressing F11 before windows starts its the same as the recovery discs you created but you don't need to run around finding them

As time goes by you will create Documents/Photos/Videos etc which you will not want to lose, that is why I was saying the other sets of backups. One way you can back these up is using windows backup/restore to save them from control panel.
Also It would be wise to create a Windows repair disc (and keep safe), this will allow you to investigate problems with your lappy (with the help from the guys/gals here) without the need to resort to the recovery options earlier.

FirstTimer4Me

thanks for the help its a bit confusing for me but i think im understanding it slowly

ok the 1st priorirty was to do factory settings which i've done can you list what is my next priority

the discs i used today cannot be used for anything apart from re intaslling the machine back to its originale condition - am i right

the windows disc you suggest when i do that should i put that disc with the other 3 then put them away