If you don't have the Windows CD how will you reinstall Windows if it comes to that?
Most new OEM computers now come with instructions on how to create "Rescue Disks" as soon as the new machine is turned on, and the guidance steps you through the procedure. All you need is a CD/DVD R/RW drive and some DVDs.
It is up to you to do that and if your computer is new then you need to check the manual that came with it, or look in the Start menu.
But those rescue disks do not back up your personal files, nor do they save your own programs and applications. For personal files a simple copy/paste to an external hard drive is easiest, but a more enduring way is to use the CD/DVD R/RW drive to burn the files to. CD/DVDs last longer than external hard drives.
You can use software to back up whole systems, like Acronis True Image, but that is not free. Or there is the more basic but very effective Clonezilla, but better suited to experienced users I am told.
Does that help?
Mark
Hello
I'm hoping somone can help me. I have a Compaq Presario S5200NX. I would like to create a rescue disk and backup , but I only have a one partion drive. I did not recieve a Windows CD. I'm not comfortable repartioning the drive. Is there software programs that would help do this. Thank You.

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