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Thread ID: 138626	2014-12-27 03:19:00	Software for making system iso	Robin S_ (86)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1391031	2014-12-27 03:19:00	I have just bought a new laptop with Win 7 preinstalled. I want to make an .iso of the system as it came out of the box (ie base default setup) as a "back to grass roots" backup before I install any software, change settings etc, and am interested in suggestions for (preferably free) software suitable for doing this. There are plenty around for making .isos from optical discs but I haven't found any that indicates that it can be used for imaging an HDD. I also intend to make an .iso of the system when it is fully set up and ready to go. I have read somewhere that at least one product has a switch or other provision for copying just the data and skipping blank areas of the disk - this would be very helpful, particularly for the new disc as it is now (almost empty), because it is a 1TB HDD. TIA	Robin S_ (86)
1391032	2014-12-27 03:54:00	Doesnt it have an option in the menu to create one?	Speedy Gonzales (78)
1391033	2014-12-27 05:06:00	There doesn't seem to be - only a provision for creating a system backup folder. The only mention of .iso I can find is for burning an iso.	Robin S_ (86)
1391034	2014-12-27 07:13:00	Any reason you want it as an ISO and not the usual Backup Image ?	wainuitech (129)
1391035	2014-12-27 08:42:00	Any reason you want it as an ISO and not the usual Backup Image ? Can a Backup Image be burned to disc and stored remotely from the computer (in case of HDD failure) and written back to a new HDD in the same way as an iso? My understanding is that an iso is a compressed file but I don't know if that applies to an MS Backup Image. I am not knowledgeable in these matters. How much disc space is required to store a Backup Image of a 1TB HDD even though little of that disc has data on it?	Robin S_ (86)
1391036	2014-12-27 09:49:00	Can a Backup Image be burned to disc and stored remotely from the computer (in case of HDD failure) and written back to a new HDD in the same way as an iso? My understanding is that an iso is a compressed file but I don't know if that applies to an MS Backup Image. I am not knowledgeable in these matters. How much disc space is required to store a Backup Image of a 1TB HDD even though little of that disc has data on it? You can make a backup Image of the drive and it will only image whats used, doesn't matter how large the drive is. Most imaging software has various amounts of compression. Using a DVD is not really a good Idea, considering you would need on average a Dual Layer at least. There was a post a short while ago that I did some tests on imaging from a USB drive, it contained the imaging program along with the back up image. So basically in the event of re-installing or as asked, installing to a blank drive you simply boot from the USB drive and drop the image back on. Normally you would make a bootable CD, and have the image stored either on an external Drive or network location. This is what I do several times a week in my job. Had to locate it, but have a look at post Number 1 & 6 on this thread pressf1.pcworld.co.nz Just be warned -- There are several other imaging programs mentioned, but at the end of the day some people will say things will work yet its never been tried by them. Read the complete thread- Try for your self and you decide. A back up is only any good if it works. Depending on what brand of laptop you have, it can sometimes be a problem. HP's for example often have 5-6 partitions, and ALL imaging software has problems with them. The Laptop you have may have a inbuilt backup ( make recovery DVD's) this would allow you to boot from the DVD's and put the system back to factory ( as new) You can do it, make an ISO, but its a lot of mucking about for one install. You have to use ImageX (technet.microsoft.com) and quite a few commands, do one thing wrong and it screws the lot ;) Edited: video using ImageX Dont fall asleep watching :D	wainuitech (129)
1391037	2014-12-27 11:41:00	Thanks Wainui - much helpful info, will follow up on it. Laptop is an i7 Asus.	Robin S_ (86)
1391038	2014-12-27 12:14:00	Thanks Wainui - much helpful info, will follow up on it. Laptop is an i7 Asus.	Robin S_ (86)
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