DVD writer query

Nosmo_King_2

Does anyone know if it is possible (and simple!) to use the dvd writer on a desktop computer in order to create back-ups and restore disks for a separate netbook computer?
cheers

S0litaire

Depends on the backup software you are using.

Some will save your backups in an Image (Usually *.ISO format) then you can move the file over to the main machine and burn that image to a DVD to create a recovery disk.

Others will just save the backup files in a folder that you can archive to the DVD. (you'll need to reinstall the OS manually then restore the backup DVDs)

What backup software are you using?

bingo_bango

So how exactly would you use these DVDs to restore the netbook OS or data?

Best just to save the files to .ISO and transfer them to the desktop for storage.

kwikbreaks

The obvious mechanism would be to network the machines and share the DVD writer.

That would allow backups and data only restores but a full system restore would be pretty much out of the question as you'd need the netbook to be successfully networked throughout.

Just about the only way I'm aware of to do a system restore of a netbook is by using a USB DVD or by using the restore partition which they all have (at least all the ones I've seen anyway).

Hammyman

+1 for networking the drive for a no cost option however I'd get an external writer - they're sub £40 for an external DVDRW drive, even in PC World!!!

birkee

Starting point is software to create an ISO image, otherwise you are just backing up data to disc.

Would Nosmo be better off just backing up "Files & Settings" to disc, and doing a clean reinstall of Windows in time of crisis, and restoring his files and settings?

Sounds easier for someone of limited knowledge, before getting into ISO images, and software to produce them.