Memory Stick Size?

[mrs.chappie]

I've bought a new laptop (Asus X54C, 8GB Memory, 500GB HDD, Windows 7) and I keep getting a message telling me to make a back-up copy of the factory state Windows.

Rather than make a copy onto discs, is it possible to put it onto a memory stick? If yes, does anyone have an idea of the size of the memory stick I will need?

The chap in the computer shop said I would need about 8 DVDs to get it all on, but I think that if it will all go on one memory stick, that will be easier to do.

Also, if I don't bother with a back-up copy, am I taking a big risk?

Many thanks for any replies, peeps - much appreciated.

[Old_Geezer]

A DVD can hold about 4.7 GB of data. If the chap in the shop was correct that implies 37.6 GB. That seems far too high to me but let's go with it. You'd need a 64GB one then.

It may pay you to see how much hard disk space you are using at the moment, it may be less than 337.6 GB.

[Old_Geezer]

Or even less than 37.6 GB as I typed.

[Ouzel]

It might be worth checking your manual to see if you can use a memory stick. My laptop would only allow a back up copy on discs - it took 3.

[snags]

Why not back up to your external hard drive... you know, the one you regularly back up all your important documents, photos, music etc. to (you do make regular back ups don't you) ;-p

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks very much, Old Geezer.

This is what it says -
Hard Disk Drives (3)
OS (C:) 138 GB free of 186 GB
DATA (D:) 254 GB free of 254 GB
Microsoft Office Click-to-Run 2010 (Protected) (Q:)

Can you make any sense of that, please?

[mrs.chappie]

Oops, sorry...there was only Geezer's answer there when I started typing. Thanks for all replies, folks.

[Old_Geezer]

It means your operating system (i.e. Windows) is presently using 50 GB.

And your using nothing for data/whatever at the moment.

50 GB would need a 64 GB flash drive then. Surprising how it all adds up.

[Old_Geezer]

Oh, be aware my experience with large flash drives have not been too wonderful. Had 2 expensive Voyager ones go wrong far too early for me to want to get another. You may wish to ask around for recommendations for reliable ones.

[mrs.chappie]

Oh bu88er, I'm now wondering if I shouldn't risk the memory stick and settle for the DVDs. :o/

[mrs.chappie]

I've noticed there are lots of games on the computer and I don't play games....could I delete these, or could deleting them affect other programs?

I have a very limited knowledge of computing and would hate to c0ck the computer up at this early stage. :o(

[rojash]

"I've noticed there are lots of games on the computer and I don't play games"

You can uninstall them if you want, but if they are the usual ones that come with Windows (Solitaire, Network Hearts, etc..) they will be taking a minute amount of space.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks Rojash. I'm presuming they are games but they have strange names, here they are:

Game Park
Game Park Console
Bubbletown
Deadtime Stories
Dream Day First Home
Galapago
Go Go Gourmet Chef
Mahjong Memoirs
Plants vs Zombies
Turbo Fiesta
World of Goo

None of them sound like the sort of thing I would be interested in.

[craft1948]

Plants v Zombies is awesome..............

[mrs.chappie]

Well the crafty beggars....I've just had a look at Plants vs Zombies and it's only a demo, you have to buy the full game.

It made me chuckle, reminded me of the old space invader games.

[VHG]

Dont bother to delete games, they will be small and gain you no space at all.

I think if you backup to DVD it will be about 3 DVDs (maybe 4).

That will be better than a memory stick as once files are on a DVD they cannot be deleted, on a memory stick they can be deleted (or you can easily lose it).

Just do the backup to DVDs and then put them in a safe place.

[bazwillrun]

did this machine not come with a copy of the original win 7 disc or even an O/s recovery partition already installed ?

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks, I'll buy some blank DVDs and do the copying today.

The computer didn't come with an original disc or recovery partition, I keep getting a pop-up window telling me to make a copy of the factory settings, this message pops up each time I switch the computer on.

I imagine they don't supply a copy in an effort to keep costs down. :o/

[VHG]

>>>did this machine not come with a copy of the original win 7 disc

No computers nowadays come with the original Windows disk.

Years ago Microsoft stopped companies doing it as too many of the CDs or DVDs were being used on other PCs.

(if you got a local company to build a PC and they bought Windows OEM, then you will get the original Windows CD but that is the only case).