backing up windows to dvd

random456

i could do with reinstalling xp, 3 years since last one and computer is running really slow even though its as clean and minimal as i can make it. My question is, i want to back up my programs to dvd, so here are some qu's:

1) can i literally just copy everything, like a carbon copy in one go somehow? i have 2 dvds worth.
2) when it copies the programs does it also copy the serial numbers and everything or will i have to obtain them again after?
3)what software will i need? (free!)
4) will it also copy sp2, drivers, updates etc? ive lost the discs with some drivers on and i dont want to have to spend hours finding them off the net

David_B_2

pumpa wrote: »

i could do with reinstalling xp, 3 years since last one and computer is running really slow even though its as clean and minimal as i can make it. My question is, i want to back up my programs to dvd, so here are some qu's:

1) can i literally just copy everything, like a carbon copy in one go somehow? i have 2 dvds worth.
2) when it copies the programs does it also copy the serial numbers and everything or will i have to obtain them again after?
3)what software will i need? (free!)
4) will it also copy sp2, drivers, updates etc? ive lost the discs with some drivers on and i dont want to have to spend hours finding them off the net

1. If you have the orginal program install files (ie. setup.exe) them yes. If you mean can you copy a already installed program from the PC then no. You can't just do a cardon copy of the c: by dragging and dropping in onto a DVD this won't work at the other end for varuious reasons. Unless that is you want to use a clone/ghosting program. But that will then take all the crap not your trying to get rid of by re-installing XP so I would not bother.
2. No. You need to take a note of these off the CD's/boxes etc. If you don't have them you'd better find them before wiping it.
3. I use Nero but not free I'm affaid. They may be a trial you'll have to check.
4. If your wiping and re-installing (recommened) then no you'll need to install these again. Simply do a Microsoft update once you have re-installed and it will install the SP2 and updates. Drivers you need to check and download from supplier unless you and management sofware product that'll do iy for you.

My steps when I do it every year are:-

1. Make sure that I have the disks or install files & serial numbers for the programs I want to re-install.
2. Save any documents/photo's/music that I want to keep. Make sure you have your INTERNET details saved somewhere as you'll need to be set this up again.
3. Format my disk.
4. Install Windows/SP's and updates.
5. Followed by installing my programs.
6. Re-add my music/photos etc.


Hope that helps a little.

random456

oh no!! i never save setup.exe i always run it to keep everything to a minimum! i have all my personal files backed up its just the downloaded ones and cd installed ones i wanted to back up- i don't know what to do now!

Little_John

The problem is that all programs as they install make entries in the windows registry and files in other locations, wipeing and reinstalling removes the registry and puts a new one inplace without all the crap that has built up over the years (months in some cases)

You need to keep the disks to all installed programs if you ever need to reinstall, registration keys everything. If you dont have these you need to start again, it is a better option as more than likley there are newer updated versions of all the programs you have installed anyway.

If your PC is usable now download the drivers and software get your license keys etc sorted then you can do the reinstall with very little hassle, no discovering you dont have the install disk for your modem or network card and then you cant get on the internet to get the stuff you need.

ohh and deleteing your install files you downoad is a little over the top, it is rare that they take up huge amounts of space ok some do but I keep an eye on my downloaded install folder and when they reach the capacity of a DVD or CD they get writen to disk.

random456

ok i can reinstall most of the programs but i havent got a clue what drivers i need or how to back them up. is there a way of backing up just the drivers?

if all else fails is there a decent optimizer or thorough registry cleaner. i have ccleaner and iobit which are good but going into regedit i can see there are loads of keys from stuff im pretty sure i got rid of years ago..ive deleted all the ones i know are old things but i know somethings not right as the laptop is taking 10-15 minutes to boot up and down these days, its driving me mad. i suppose the program files arent do important i can always download them again if i have to, like i said i have all impt files backed up already, so if theres any way i can thoroughly speed up my comp without reinstalling that would be great. i hardly have anything running at startup, and no viruses/adware..

David_B_2

A tip for future.

Either create a download area on your PC called My Software (or similar) and store all downloaded programs you keep in there. Or if your worried about space or keeping it tidy then simply do the same on a CD/DVD and have yourself a utility or useful programs CD. Therefore never losing the programs again. I also create a notepad file that I keep the serial numbers written down in the same folder so again I'll never lose it. Ideal for these programs that were free but are no longer on the latest update meaning I can just re-install the freebie one.

Not really much help for now but hopefully you'll never have this issue again.

David_B_2

pumpa wrote: »

ok i can reinstall most of the programs but i havent got a clue what drivers i need or how to back them up. is there a way of backing up just the drivers?

if all else fails is there a decent optimizer or thorough registry cleaner. i have ccleaner and iobit which are good but going into regedit i can see there are loads of keys from stuff im pretty sure i got rid of years ago..ive deleted all the ones i know are old things but i know somethings not right as the laptop is taking 10-15 minutes to boot up and down these days, its driving me mad. i suppose the program files arent do important i can always download them again if i have to, like i said i have all impt files backed up already, so if theres any way i can thoroughly speed up my comp without reinstalling that would be great. i hardly have anything running at startup, and no viruses/adware..

WARNING

Do not play/edit with the registry if you do not know what you are doing.

By saying it takes 10/15 minutes to boot it sounds like I am to late with the warning.

As for the programs you mentioned, I ever use them so cannot comment.

Little_John

2 ways of finding what hardware you have in the PC
open it up each component is marked with its make and model number or while the system is on you can go in to system properties and use device manager to get all the hardware makes and model numbers then just go to the manufacturers website and get the stuff.

if it is a branded pc the manufacturer will have all the drivers on 1 page just for that machine.

random456

the computer has been booting up like this for a year now it has nothing to do with corrupt or missing registry entries that i have created. i have always used the same 2 cleaners and manually removed things from regedit and never encountered an error yet. i do know what i am doing in respect to removing registry keys

Cricri

You can use Double Driver to backup your drivers, it's free:
http://boozet.xepher.net/dd/index.htm

Another one is Driver Magician, but it's not free:
http://www.drivermagician.com/

the catch is that in many cases, you don't need jsut the driver, but some kind of software as well (e.g. GUIs to configure webcams and wifi adapters).

If you do not wish to reinstall windows, you could boot from the CD and attempt a repair.

imho

Doesnt Belarc tell you every thing you have on your computer and the serial numbers ?I print a copy off when its scanned my computer .
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html