BleepingComputer.com: Should I make a recovery disk???

I have a Dell desktop running windows vista. Recently, the hard drive crashed and I've replaced it and the computer is back up and running normal. My question is if I should make recovery disks like I did when I got it. I have all of the disks from Dell that include Vista and the drivers and utilities, but I thought I remembered having to make a set of disks when I got the computer. Is this needed?

Hi;

If I may suggest that you make a full image recovery backup instead of making only recovery discs. When you mount the image backup file it will be good as new. Try using the paid version of Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image 11 or Paragon. They have files/folder backup capabilities which includes all drivers and programs. If you want a freeware try Macrium Reflect Free. If your hdd is a Seagate then at their website they have a software DiscWizard which is a downgrade of Acronis True Image 11 similar to Macrium Reflect Free edition. You will only need a reserved hard drive for it. You can also clone your hard drive using DiscWizard and Acronis True Image.

Try it. It beats re-installing again(but again you will need a back-up drive). Wilders Security Forum has an official forum for Acronic True Image you may want to check it out.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=65

Regards,

voltronDefender

This post has been edited by voltronDefender: 21 July 2009 - 02:59 PM

Thank you for your reply. I will try one of the options that you suggested! I appreciate your help.
Dylan

I suggest that you at least make a COPY of the disks you received with your system. Keep them as back-up in case you need to use the originals and find they get scratched, which may render them useless.

Queen-Evie, on Jul 21 2009, 06:31 PM, said:

how do i make a recovery cd i also hav a dell?