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General discussion

Windows Vista back up

by xkoozy Aug 2, 2008 2:56AM PDT

I've been looking all over the place on this thing trying to find out how to back up the system files that were already installed when purchased. The only thing I could find says it will back up everything except the OS. I need step by step instructions on how to back up the OS. My grandson deleted all the Gateway stuff and said he would take care of it for me. Before he could do it he died.
Windows Vista Home Premium, Gateway Laptop MT 6920

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Well...

by John.Wilkinson Aug 3, 2008 3:15AM PDT

Vista Ultimate lets you backup your entire hard drive, including your OS, but Home Premium limits you to personal files. The original "Gateway stuff" would have enabled you to burn a DVD containing a copy of the OS alone, but without it that's not an option. Thus, you have two options:
1.) Order a set of system recovery DVDs from Gateway for a nominal fee, which will include your OS and any preinstalled software from Gateway.
2.) Purchase a program like Acronis TrueImage, which will create an identical copy of your hard drive, including OS, as of the time you run it. This option assumes your computer is running the way you want it when you perform the backup, but lets you backup the OS, programs, and files all at once, reducing your work should you ever need to recover from backup.

Hope this helps,
John

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