create a system image

[jayal]

recently upgraded to W7 from XP, with XP I had the O/S disk to make any repairs or add/remove programmes etc, but with W7 I didn't get a disk, the "builder" says I don't need one 'cause W7 can e.g repair itself or if necessary go back to using system restore. I see there's a "create a system image" facility, can anyone throw some light on that please?

[SolMiester]

Quite easy really, type backup into the search field and click on backup and restore, you will see the option for creating O/S image along with data backup

[jayal]

what disk? I've got DVD-RW (4.7Gb) and CD-R (700Mb)

[dugimodo]

you really need a second hard drive, preferably an external one, to do a system image. Did you at least get a COA key for windos 7? if so you can always borrow or copy someone elses disk and use your own key if you ever need to repair/ re install.
You do have the option to make a recovery disk as well which can be used for repairs and restoring the image file. try a search on recovery.

[jayal]

A Product I D yes, is that the same thing?

[Speedy Gonzales]

No the product id is what's generated by the key. The key is 25 characters, like xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

[jayal]

how can I get a COA key?

[Speedy Gonzales]

Mm See if something like this will tell you

If it doesnt tell you, then go back to the builder or whoever installed Win7

[dugimodo]

If you paid for windows 7 and it's installed on the PC then the seller must supply you with the key, normally it's a sticker affixed to the case but I leave mine attached to the case of the disk because I change cases a lot.
It's debatable whether they must supply you with a disk but at a minimum there must be a key and a way to restore windows which can be in the form of a hidden restore partition for OEM hardware.

Anything else and I'd suspect you have a dodgy version of windows. Maybe you have it and it's not obvious, ask whoever you got it from where your key is.

[jayal]

Hi Speedy, got 5 * 5 characters, if I ever need to use it I can get the W7 disk off the "builder" - thanks, again!