I've Killed My New Laptop!

Luckyone

Thank You So Much

So I would only need to make the image of my computer on discs or hard drive & if the computer crashed I can re install these.

So I don't need to make the recovery discs as the image of my computer will recover it to what it was when I made the image?

xxx

shakeitright

Your welcome,come back if you need any more help,I dont know everything but can normally find out through Google.

I thought last night when reading your posts that you may have been able to use a system image if you had made one but as your laptop turned out to have other problems it wouldnt have helped much.Hope you have more luck with your next choice.

Luckyone

Thank You

xxx

Knarf44

Luckyone wrote: »

Thank You So Much

So I would only need to make the image of my computer on discs or hard drive & if the computer crashed I can re install these.

So I don't need to make the recovery discs as the image of my computer will recover it to what it was when I made the image?

xxx

Windows laptops come with a hidden recovery partition on the hard disk. It contains the Winrdows Operating Sustem and other programs the manufacturer gets paid to include eg a trial version of an anti virus program.

When you make the recovery discs the process copies all of the information from that partition to a set of dvds possibly using as many a 3-4. The idea is that should your hard disk fail and has to be replaced, the dvds you made can be used to install the laptop's original software configuration to the new hard disk. In effect giving you back a laptop with the same configuration as on the day you bought it.

You would then need to spend time updating the Windows Operating System via Windows Update to ensure all the security and other updates were installed. You would also need to reinstall any programs you yourself had downloaded and installed. All in all quite a time consuming process.

However, there is an alternative. It' s already been mentioned earlier. You can make an "image" of your hard disk using a free program called 'Macrium Reflect'. An 'image' is an exact copy of your hard disk, including (if you want) the hidden partition. The advantage is that the image includes the Operating System, all your personally downloaded programs, Windows updates, documents, photos etc.

So, if you need to reinstall your system for whatever reason, you can use the created image. A process which is much faster than the first one I outlined above.

Ideally, you would store your created image on a external hard drive and/ or dvd media. Don't ever rely on only one means of storage. You can make regular images of your hard disk, I do mine monthly for example. There are various ways to do image backups and lots of info on this forum and others. You just need to find one you are personally comfortable with.

rufydoofyM

Just a thought , instead of using disks would a usb stick not be easier. When oh made a set, rather tried to make a set of recovery disks on our last lappy it was a nightmare. Now I have my own and since it has no optical drive I went straight to the HP website put the model in and then to the manual and just followed the instructions. Couldn't believe how easy it was. Good job I had bought a selection of usb sticks though as had to use a 32gb as it needed at least 20gb of space. I feel your pain Luckyone, but if I can do it I'm sure you will manage. And there's always someone on here to help.

Not sure what you need from a lappy but oh has backlit keyboard on his mac which is certainly easier to see. I choose an Acer, but after I'd had it for just 4 days the fan made strange noises and it started acting strange so I took it back and got a small 11.6 inch HP from John Lewis.

I only need it for admin, surfing and photos and music and its brilliant. was worried it might be slow but not at all. The screen and sound are great and even though the screen is smaller than I was used to it is so portable and I love it. Also it seems far more solid and better built than the Acer. hth:)

Luckyone

Thank You Both Very Much,

I like the Macrium Reflect download as it will have everything done for me instead of having to then search for updates. That's if I can work what to do with it hope its straight forward lol

So I have the discs I would also need a Hard drive anyone know of a good one?

I will look at HP & see what they have to offer in my price range. I don't like Acer having such a bad score so I have been searching the others on the list at the top, have not got round to HP so will do that today

Thank You xxx

closed

HP's score is the same as acer.

Luckyone

Thanks

I've been trying to find a Lenovo with a DVD player inside but this computer can't load there site

Will now look at the i5 core Asus that was listed

xxx

shakeitright

Loads of Lenovo,s on ebuyer http://www.ebuyer.com/search?brand=Lenovo&cat=10

Luckyone

Well I have been searching since 8am this morning & have gone through all the different brands & have decided to go with this one as it has a good review, it's a Asus.

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/ASUS_K55A-SX376H_red_1337331.html

There is just one down side which is it's got black keys on a black background. The other thing is I can't find out if it has a matt screen or a shiny one I prefer a shiny one as the colors are much richer.

The Samsung was picked up this afternoon I don't know how long it takes to get to Ebuyer so I can have the money back to order this one.

I do also like the white one with no DVD player, but I think this will annoy me.

xxx