Acer Factory Default Disc or Windows 7 Backup?

MarkBargain

I have two Acer laptops, one a week one, one six months old. I have bought a stack of 10 DVD+R discs as I want to create a backup of the computer operating system so that I can restore it if need be.

The Acer software includes the option to Create Factory Default Disk (3 DVDs) so one can return the PC to factory default status. It says this should be done before the PC is used, so perhaps is too late.

Alternatively, am I better to use Windows 7 Backup and Restore facility to create either a system image or system repair disc? How many DVDs would those use?

stilltheone

Don't be a cheapskate. Why trust one or the other? Do both.

CoolHotCold

The ACER Factory disc can be made at any time so long as you can boot into windows. It doesn't matter if you've used it for several days or years or brand new the end result is the same.

The Windows 7 Backup & Restore (unless Ultimate) only does files and not a image (And even if it did you would be looking at 20 to 40 DVD's)

MarkBargain

So what actually is the Acer Factory Disk backing up? Does it not include Windows 7?

I basically want to back up the operating system so I can restore the laptops in the event of a major virus outbreak etc.

stilltheone

MarkBargain wrote: »

So what actually is the Acer Factory Disk backing up? Does it not include Windows 7?

I basically want to back up the operating system so I can restore the laptops in the event of a major virus outbreak etc.

The ACER discs do just that; restores the machine to the way it was configured when purchased. Should also work if you have to replace the HDD.

It's in fact a back up in the case of HDD failure/destruction, as you can also run the same restore from a hidden partition on the HDD.

Andrew1472

MarkBargain wrote: »

Alternatively, am I better to use Windows 7 Backup and Restore facility to create either a system image or system repair disc? How many DVDs would those use?

A hard drive with just 35Gb on it using windows 7 system image takes 3 DVDs and about 3 hours to complete for me, plus 1 more disc for the system repair which takes no time at all.
It is really annoying if it finds a faulty disc and aborts!!

MarkBargain

So do most people bother making these discs? I never had but often wondered if I should!

stilltheone

MarkBargain wrote: »

So do most people bother making these discs? I never had but often wondered if I should!

What'sthemadderu? Do it.

Andrew1472

MarkBargain wrote: »

So do most people bother making these discs? I never had but often wondered if I should!

Yes I do. Silly not to.
The Acer default discs shouldn't be any hassle at all.
It will cost £2 or £3 at most to back up your operating system.
Make it your first job tomorrow:)

MarkBargain

OK, OK, I'll run the Acer default discs tomorrow after my corn flakes. :-)

AirCooledHeaven

The backup data that creates the Acer recovery disks is on its own disk partition, so you can create them at any time and still use them to create a 'factory fresh' installation. Don't forget to create the drivers disk as well. FYI you can recover an Acer directly from the hard disk by pressing ALT-F10 during boot.