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Smart Computing

February, 2007

Original article at Smart Computing web site (This site requires registration to access articles)

Question & Answer

Question: I recently purchased a Compaq Presario V5000T laptop, and the first thing I did was create system restore discs (12 CDs). After a few weeks of ownership, I've managed to uninstall and clean out all the programs I did not care to have that came with the unit. I now want to create the system restore discs again, but the computer tells me that I'm only allowed to do that one time, which I already did. So my questions are: Can I get around creating just one set of restore discs? If so, how can I do this? And if I can create a new set, will it be a reflection of my present configuration that I now have on my computer?

Answer: OEM (original equipment manufacturer) system restore discs are convenient for recovering from a failed hard drive. In addition to including a copy of your version of Windows, they also include any software drivers your notebook needs for smooth functioning. Unfortunately, they also include a lot of extraneous software that comes bundled by the OEM-software that may not always be useful.

Each OEM creates its own system restore disc policy. It's important not to confuse this with Windows' System Restore. Although you're prevented by Compaq from creating an additional system restore set of discs, we'd recommend a different strategy even if the former weren't prohibited.

A better alternative is one of the many imaging tools available for creating duplicates of your hard drive. Two of the most prominent utilities available are Norton Ghost 10 and Acronis True Image 10 Home.

Imaging tools create a snapshot of your existing hard drive and copy it to either a second drive, a server on your home network, or CDs/DVDs. When you need to restore this image to either your original hard drive or a replacement hard drive, you simply restart your computer with a bootable disc. This disc contains enough information to allow your computer to access and restore the snapshot you previously created.

The advantage to using a dedicated imaging tool is that it isn't restricted in its use. You can create as many images as you like and roll back your computer to a previous image if something goes awry during a software installation or upgrade. Image discs can also be used as a simple backup utility, as well.