Novice Windows 7 Image utility/Backup Question

[The Stig]

So, I just got my new Dell PC, which is second hand.

The recovery partition is not there. No recovery CDs are present as well, but when turned on the PC is configuring itself for first time use.

I go through the usual .. time zone, keyboard, username and PC name, etc.

So I'm now at the desktop for the first time.

Logically I know how it works, but this is the first time I've used Win7's backup stuffs.

If I perform the "make system image" utility now, and in the event I need to reformat and/or replace hard drive, and use this image to restore my PC either onto the current hard drive or a new one, I would be at the point where I first landed on the desktop, with all drivers, programs, etc, intact right?

I just wanted a second opinion in case it doesn't work like Norton Ghost or Ignite, for example. And just wanted to make sure I am making the correct image using free/available tools etc.

Noobish/dumb question I know!

[orinthia]

That's exactly what a disk image is: a frozen state of what was all on the hard drive when the image was created. Nothing more. Win7's backup utility works okay, but is a bit clunky compared to other software (I don't remember if it can burn to dvd-r or not; the image will be big). What it'd end up doing is essentially creating your recovery partition, just not in partition form (it'd be a giant file, so best to make a partition to house it anyway). After it's made, see if you can go through the motions of actually restoring from that image so you can find out the quirks of the process (there's always some quirks).

If anything, look up hiren's boot disk. Should have plenty of tools for you to play with for backup and many other things.

[The Stig]

Good good good. That quells most of my worries. Just needed a second input.

I'll just make the image now, and store it externally, and then continue as normal.

I'm not too fussed about burning it, I got some spare room externally. I don't get why you will say it;'s a huge file though, all I can think of is, if I got 20gb currently used on the disk (OS, default apps/drivers), then the image would only be 20gb ... right? Or am I missing something.

Will check out the boot disk.

[orinthia]

Yes, without any compression it should take up at most what is currently being used by the hdd. A fully updated windows and all the major programs you want is usually pretty big, though I was just basing it off what my brother's was. With office, visual studio, some extras, fully updated it was around 45-50gb, though that may have included the uninstall info for patches, system restore files, page/hibernate files, etc, so it's bigger than it needs to be.

Just to compare, the install iso for win7 is around 3.5gb and most restore partitions that come with branded systems might be around 6-8gb, though won't occupy all that space. Oh, I remember this one branded system my aunt had that used some software that had timed out and wouldn't restore the image unless the clock was set back 4 years lol.

[The Stig]

Well I just had a poke around with the HD management in Windows 7, found that there is in fact a factory/restore partition in there (I guess the seller didn't check or just assumed).

For experimental purposes, I just dived into the repair menu on boot up, and discovered the "Dell restore" option. Clicked on that and a few clicks later, system is preparing Windows for first time use.

All good now then. No need for that image I created hehe.

I can of course install all updates, apps, and then make another backup, but I prefer not needing to based on preferences

Thanks for your info however! Going to check out/play with the boot disk you recommended at work tommorow.