Recovery Disk

[seelie]

Can anyone tell me what disk I need to make a recovery disk. I have a DVD/RW disk, but the computer doesn't seem to recognise it - keeps telling me to insert the disk. The computer says the drivers are ok; and it will play music disks and software. Have 2 slots ( DVDs and ROM). Maybe I need a special disk - please advise me someone as I'm stuck. Thanks.

[ACtheTROLL]

by recovery disc I assume you mean a bootable disc?

first thing you need to look in the bios for the boot order - make sure it reads floppy, cd, hdd - that way your machine will boot from the backup

the bootable bit is more difficult
the easiest way is to use an app like acronis true image.

[seelie]

Hi ACtheTROLL - the computer brings up a prompt screen, suggesting I make a recovery disk in case my computer crashes so that I can reload. When I accept it puts on a square that gradually a line of green fills then it prompts me to install a disk - giving a few options - CD (I think it said 7) floppys (numersous) and 1 DVD when I put the DVD in it doesn't accept it and keeps telling me to insert the disk!! Wondering if there is a special disk or what else could be wrong. I run XP.

[ACtheTROLL]

odd

you are very sensible to (or at least try to) make the backup
I'm not aware of any problem with what you are doing.

generally the message means that either the disc is full, it's not a writeable disc ... or that the drive is faulty

starting at the beginning - let's just tidy up exactly what you mean - sorry if this is too basic ... but just to be clear
You have a DVD rw disc - do you mean drive (fixed in the case) or disc - bought from a shop?

look in my computer ... you'll see "new volume (C:), (d) etc
then CD and/or dvd
cd or dvd rw

when asked you need to insert a
DVD -r or +r or rw disc (you can get them from tesco for a couple of quid)

2 slots DVD and ROM? - not certain about this ...

the last question is have you managed to burn any type of disc?

[seelie]

Hi - In "My Computer" the disk drives are E and F. E is DVD+CD-Writer and F is DVD-ROM. Have tried both. The computer sends out the drawer of F at the appropriate time. At one time it used to say the disk was full now it says insert the disk! The disks themselves are DVC+RW brand new straight out of the cellophane package (120 min video). About a year ago it worked - burned successfully with the same sort of disk, but it won't now, and I can't work out why - as I previously said I checked the drives. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Regards.

[seelie]

Forgot to mention that I haven't tried to burn a disk apart from this - have just bought a Nero, but haven't used it.

[seelie]

Sorry put DVC - obviously DVD

[ACtheTROLL]

nero is good

personally I'd use a "r" (+ or -) not a RW

given the price of discs .... try burning anything to a disc ... see what happens.

given that it's rw you can always re-format it and try again

[bogdan_evanzo]

The best method and the most easy in the same time to create a recovery disk is to use a cloning tool like Norton Ghost or Acronis. Both are simple to use and are fast. Tutorials you can find here http://createrecoverydisk.com Media URL: http://createrecoverydisk.com/create-windows-7-recovery-disk/
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