What software do I need?

[no-nowt]

Hi, I bought PC about 12 months ago, with XP pre-installed, it came with a re-load Cd but it has been damaged, (daughter got at all my Cd-roms and wrecked most of em). I've been to store for a replacement but they wanted £50.

I was wanting to know, is there any software I could use to burn all the system files onto CD-R, so basically what I have got, is a XP system disk.?

[doctorgonzo]

You can use a program like Norton Ghost to create an image of your drive and burn it to CD. Then, if you have problems where you need to start over, you can use the image to restore your hard drive to the state it was in when you ghosted it. Not exactly the same as a restore disk, but close.

[ZANEY123]

The best and cheapest is a Program such as Drive Image which will allow you to make an Image of the hard Drive to a CD-R (RW). This will give you basically an updated and custom restore disk set.

[Doobie]

Is your computer name brand? I remember when I got my first computer, and IBM, I had lost my restore disk. It had been about two years since I had bought it and I called them and they sent me a new one. They were really friendly about it. I’m not sure how they are now a days being that piracy is taken way more serious than before and customer service is not what it used to be.

[no-nowt]

WOW! how fast are the responses on here, had two response in the time it took to make a cup of tea, Thanks guys.
The thing is I only use PC for vid edititing, gaming and alot of browsing, and I like to do a restore to get rid of all the clutter that accumulates, and as I understand it the softwares you have mentioned would burn all the junk to Cd also.
What I am really after is something that would give me a clean install.
Is there nothing?

[no-nowt]

Originally posted by Doobie Is your computer name brand? I remember when I got my first computer, and IBM, I had lost my restore disk. It had been about two years since I had bought it and I called them and they sent me a new one. They were really friendly about it. I’m not sure how they are now a days being that piracy is taken way more serious than before and customer service is not what it used to be.

Cant believe it! had another response while I was writing response to first two, WILL HAVE TO RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE I KNOW.

It was bought from large UK computer manufacturer. I only went to shop I bought from, maybe I'll try HQ tomorrow.

[doctorgonzo]

Yes, using a program like Ghost or Drive Image will include all software and data on your HD. In some ways it is better than a restore disk, because you can put the software you use most often on there so you don't have to reinstall everything constantly, but if you want to go back to the state it was in when you opened the box, a restore disk is really the only way.

It is a good idea to call the manufacturer directly. You will probably have better luck with them than dealing with the store.

[TechSupport420]

Ghost or Drive image is a good idea, but if your computer is a retail bought computer such as Toshiba, HP, etc. then I would call them most likely they can send you restore disks for your computer, I had an unfortunite accident with my first set for my toshiba laptop, I called them and they shipped me a new set in 4 or 5 days no questions asked.

[no-nowt]

Been on to manufacturer, no joy. Guess I'll have to use Ghost or Drive Image.
Which is best? and,
Which one is the more simpleton friendly?

[Doobie]

I perfer ghost but I believe Drive Image is more user friendly....