Backing up a netbook (eMachine)

CD32 · 12 Mar 2011 at 13:20

Decided to get around to backing up my son's (win xp) eMachine netbook today. (as it doesn't come with a windows cd). Don't necessarily need to back the whole thing up, just creating a windows cd is all thats needed for recovery/reinstall.

Only thing I can find in the start menu is a tab (named after the netbook) for restore etc..

When I click on it I get to this option..

"Create Factory Default Disc"

Good I thought, I was going to do a backup onto a usb drive, however a para also states..

"It is important to create the factory default disc before using your pc"

Well the netbooks been used since xmas so I don't know if this will work now & don't want to try it in case it restores the netbook too.

Any thoughts? cheers..

DefiantAsh · 12 Mar 2011 at 17:15

I have a netbook myself, it came with no restore cds or anything

I backup my data like college work and stuff on my home pc and a portable hard drive.

But for creating a restore CD i do not know sorry.

Ringiho · 12 Mar 2011 at 17:44

Although not a 'recovery CD' you could just create an image of it using: http://clonezilla.org/clonezilla-live.php

or give this a go: http://www.howtohaven.com/system/createwindowssetupdisk.shtml

CD32 · 13 Mar 2011 at 11:37

Cheers for the replies. Did think about making an image if all else failed but wanted to see if a backup can still be made re original post. Best bet is to email eMachines themselves else those links look ok...especially the free clonezilla (thought I would end up having to buy an image making utility. tnx again folks!

arobase · 14 Mar 2011 at 01:58

Well, if you use the "Factory Default Disc" you've created, that means you will loose all the installed programs and all your datas.

I mostly use Acronis TrieImage Home for my backups, but I also use "Redo Backup" from times to times with a laptop which is not compatible with ATIH. It's also a free program but with a better graphical interface than clonezilla. ^^

Hagar · 14 Mar 2011 at 12:21

CD32 said:
Decided to get around to backing up my son's (win xp) eMachine netbook today. (as it doesn't come with a windows cd). Don't necessarily need to back the whole thing up, just creating a windows cd is all thats needed for recovery/reinstall.

Only thing I can find in the start menu is a tab (named after the netbook) for restore etc..

When I click on it I get to this option..

"Create Factory Default Disc"

Good I thought, I was going to do a backup onto a usb drive, however a para also states..

"It is important to create the factory default disc before using your pc"

Well the netbooks been used since xmas so I don't know if this will work now & don't want to try it in case it restores the netbook too.

Any thoughts? cheers..

Generally you get one go at creating the factory default disk (microsoft limitation). This creates a DVD or USB drive which can then restore the factory default if you have problems down the line ie disk failure. You should do this. A 16Gb USB drive would be optimal for this.
Creating a restore disk will not reset the existing disk, but saving your files such as documents is not a bad idea before proceeding.
The existing hard disk will have a restore partition which can be used to restore the defaults however if the hard disk did fail you would lose this option and have to buy new media to restore the operating system and software.
It will also give the option of installing a larger capacity drive 160 > 250 > 320 in future if required.

CD32 · 14 Mar 2011 at 14:38

Thanks for the further info..helps. Nothing to back up really as there's not really anything further installed on the netbook except mouse drivers as it only gets used for the net really so I'll give that restore disk a try...just don't want to have to buy another op system should it go down.

(better get a bigger usb stick first it seems :/ )

Cheers again guys..

a1ex2001 · 14 Mar 2011 at 16:05

made a restore disk for my Revo 3610 a few months after I purchased it and I think what it did is use the current config for the restore disk which given the amount of stuff I had installed resulted in a pile of 4 or 5 DVD's. Best bet if all you want it the ability to reinstall is to use the XP product key on the back and a copy of the OEM install CD that can be found all over the net.

Hagar · 14 Mar 2011 at 16:38

CD32 said:
Thanks for the further info..helps. Nothing to back up really as there's not really anything further installed on the netbook except mouse drivers as it only gets used for the net really so I'll give that restore disk a try...just don't want to have to buy another op system should it go down.

(better get a bigger usb stick first it seems :/ )

Cheers again guys..

I guessed at the size of disk, but I managed to get an original HP one for my netbook with windows 7 starter on it. It was a 16Gb USB drive.

I bought a second hand netbook still in warranty but the restore disk had already been made and I did not get it with the netbook (subsequently the seller sent it on as 3 no. DVD's).

HP wanted to sell me one for £35 but I managed to persuade them and the netbook was still in warranty so they sent it to me gratis. Thanks HP

You may get away with an 8Gb one but as it is a one off, I would stick with the 16Gb, you could always add files in free space.