Making a Backup Disk

[Doheny]

OK, so I bought a computer from Fry's recently and it had Windows installed already (duh.) However, I noticed there were no disks in the box. I went back to Fry's and asked the salesman about it; he says that's how computers are sold now and I need to make my own system restore/backup disk if I want one.

Does that sound right, and if it is, how do I do so?

[ocabj]

Total Fry's BS. OEM pre-installs of a Windows OS are supposed to provide either a Windows installation CD or a restore CD.

[COBRA MASTER]

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get yourself a 1000gb hard drive for les than 70 bucks at frys. u could get a real small slim one. and than set up your windows one care system to back up all your stuff on there once a day or once a week.

the back up disc are no longer needed there on the computer hard drive if you ever have to restore your computer to factory default .

[Doheny]

the back up disc are no longer needed there on the computer hard drive if you ever have to restore your computer to factory default .

What if I want to reformat my HD someday...how would I do that?

[Toma]

It supposed to come with the OS disc, at least. Either give the computer back or raise hell until you get one. You paid for the license to use an MS product, so they'd better give you a copy of said software.

[JDay]

Total Fry's BS. OEM pre-installs of a Windows OS are supposed to provide either a Windows installation CD or a restore CD.

You're wrong, many OEMs have the restore disk set images on the system now. Instructions on how to burn your set are in the getting started guide. Even tells you to do it first thing when you get to the desktop. You can also order a set from the OEM for about $15. They do this to cut down on costs. Its been this way since XP was out.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=bph08097

This document pertains to HP or Compaq Desktop computers with Windows XP.
HP computers that ship with Microsoft Windows XP and Compaq Presario Desktop computers made in spring of 2003 and later already come with a hidden preloaded recovery partition. This hidden partition can be used to recover all of the original software in the event of a major problem by pressing the F10 key repeatedly when the computer is first started. However, there might be times when recovery discs are needed to restore the computer, such as when a virus destroys the recovery partition. By using the Recovery CD-DVD Creator program, you can create a set of recovery discs to restore your computer back to its original condition.
Recovery CD-DVD Creator software comes on HP and Compaq Desktop computers made in Spring of 2003 and later. It is strongly recommended that you create a recovery disc set. If your HP or Compaq desktop computer with Windows XP does not have the HP Recovery CD Creator software or if recovery CDs were not created before the recovery partition was damaged or erased, you will need to find a set of recovery discs that matches your model number from the Internet or install a new operating system.
The Recovery CD Creator software can be used to make one set of recovery CDs for the computer. The recovery CD set contains a complete set of the original operating system, drivers, and application software that shipped with the computer.

You can make copies of these if you need more.

[OleCuss]

Yup, the last several computers I have purchased did not have a DVD with the OS/installation software. There is, however, a function built into the system to generate at least one set of disks for doing a fresh installation. Also, what is really slick is to set up a USB thumb drive with the installation files. Takes a rather expensive thumb drive though. . .

[goober]

You're wrong, many OEMs have the restore disk set images on the system now. Instructions on how to burn your set are in the getting started guide. Even tells you to do it first thing when you get to the desktop. You can also order a set from the OEM for about $15. They do this to cut down on costs. Its been this way since XP was out.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=bph08097

You can make copies of these if you need more.

this^

[Doheny]

You're wrong, many OEMs have the restore disk set images on the system now. Instructions on how to burn your set are in the getting started guide. Even tells you to do it first thing when you get to the desktop. You can also order a set from the OEM for about $15. They do this to cut down on costs. Its been this way since XP was out.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=bph08097

You can make copies of these if you need more.

Thanks...I'll give that a try.

[Corbin Dallas]

Total Fry's BS. OEM pre-installs of a Windows OS are supposed to provide either a Windows installation CD or a restore CD.

Not anymore. Most OEM's barely include the COA.

[high_revs]

even if the machine didn't come with a recovery disk, it should have a partition in it for recovery. and it should have the tools to ask you if you want to burn it to dvd. one way or the other, computer manufacturers provide you a install copy. if it's on the hard drive, they'll give you an option to burn unto a dvd.

call the mfr tech support. ask them how. if they don't give you one, return it to frys. i'd also write to frys about the idiot salesman.

[GameAPBT]

It supposed to come with the OS disc, at least. Either give the computer back or raise hell until you get one. You paid for the license to use an MS product, so they'd better give you a copy of said software.

Wrong! Some systems come with an application that creates the system disks for you. The license is the lil stick with the product key, it has nothing to do with physical media.

[Toma]

I'd still give it back and get one from a company that does provide them. All the machines I've bought in the last year have had OS discs, even a little $250 netbook! Anything less would feel like a complete ripoff; I mean that's whole reason you buy a prebuilt machine: for the convenience!

[Corbin Dallas]

I'd still give it back and get one from a company that does provide them. All the machines I've bought in the last year have had OS discs, even a little $250 netbook! Anything less would feel like a complete ripoff; I mean that's whole reason you buy a prebuilt machine: for the convenience!

Are you sure you got a recovery OS disc? Because I work with these laptops on a daily basis and I have yet to even get a drivers disc.

There's a reason the laptop costs $250 and it's not due to economies of scale.

[Toma]

Yep, it's a Windows XP Home Edition SP3 Recovery OS Disc complete with the "all of this software is already installed on your computer" BS. Maybe only Dell does it now? Admittedly, most of the laptops I own are Dells.