Complete PC Backup Question

[cstout]

Ok, I do a complete PC backup to DVDs. Then my hard drive crashes. Time to restore the PC from the DVDs.

I read something here that said you need to put in the OS disk & boot on that to restore the PC from the backup DVDs. I don't have Microsoft OS disks. The Dell came with its own restore to "out of the box" disks. Can you just make a boot disk & use that? If so where do you go after bootup?

I'm fine with the backup procedure. I'm just not sure about the restore steps.
This is one of those things that you don't try out until something bad really happens. I just want to make sure I'm prepare if it happens.

Thanks for helping.

 

[LeeTutor]

You need the Vista installation DVD, normally, in order to run the Restore option from the Recovery Environment. See this page for a tutorial:

Using Windows Complete PC Restore to restore your computer

If you don't have the installation DVD, then go here to download the makings for a Vista Recovery CD:

Windows Vista Recovery Disc Download — The NeoSmart Files

 

[SCSIraidGURU]

You can get imaging software from Acronis to restore from.

 

[garysgold]

Hello cstout,

These tutorials by Shawn should be helpful.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/99718-restore-complete-computer.html?ltr=R&filter[11]=Backup%20Restore

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/141820-create-recovery-disc.html

Gary