How do I make a backup CD?

[tforms1]

I just received a brand new laptop from Dell today with windows Vista.
I looked in the box and there are the following CDs:
Microsoft Works 8.5 - I assume this is a substitue for MS Office
Roxio Creator & MyDVD - I assume this is software for burning CDs/DVDs
Dell Drivers & Utilities DVD - I assume these are the drivers for the
laptop.
Dell Reinstallation DVD - Windows Vista Home Premium - I assume this
is the DVD for Vista...BUT, is this the official MS version or a Dell
version with all of the Dell software installed?

I want to make a CD/DVD that is the official MS Version and does not
have anything else on it, like if you bought it from the store.

Also, where can I find the serial/product number that would go with
the laptop?
I see the product code on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop, is
that it?

Thanks

 

[Tom Porterfield]

I just received a brand new laptop from Dell today with windows Vista.
I looked in the box and there are the following CDs:
Microsoft Works 8.5 - I assume this is a substitue for MS Office
Roxio Creator & MyDVD - I assume this is software for burning CDs/DVDs
Dell Drivers & Utilities DVD - I assume these are the drivers for the
laptop.
Dell Reinstallation DVD - Windows Vista Home Premium - I assume this
is the DVD for Vista...BUT, is this the official MS version or a Dell
version with all of the Dell software installed?

I want to make a CD/DVD that is the official MS Version and does not
have anything else on it, like if you bought it from the store.

You can't generate a generic MS retail type distribution CD from an OEM
customized distribution. The Dell reinstallation DVD is the disk you
would use if you need to reload your machine. That should reload the OS
back to the same state that it was in when it was loaded at the factory.
You would then likely need to reinstall Works and Roxio. The drivers
should be part of the OS load, but I haven't used one of those Dell
reinstall disks in a while so you might need to pop that in as well.

Also, where can I find the serial/product number that would go with
the laptop?
I see the product code on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop, is
that it?

Yes, it's the sticker on the under side of the laptop.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Check your manual and/or contact Dell.
Each manufacturer has their own method of making/getting restore
media.
Whatever the method, I suggest you do it before the media is needed.
Sooner or later you will need it.

"Microsoft Works 8.5 - I assume this is a substitue for MS Office"
Not really, they are very different although there is some
compatibility between the two.

"I want to make a CD/DVD that is the official MS Version and does not
have"
May or may not be possible depending on how Dell does it.

Dell usually has a label affixed somewhere with the Service Tag, that
is the number you need for Dell support.
The Product Key is for Windows and Dell has no need for that number,
although you need it.

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

The 'Dell reinstallation DVD' for Vista is used to restore the system to the
same state it was in when you first received the computer. You cannot
convert this disk to a standard, retail installation disk.

Your best strategy for reinstallation options is to use a program like
Acronis True Image. Get the computer set up exactly like you want with only
the programs you want installed and then make an image of the disk. You can
then use this image to restore the system to the way you originally set it
up.

To make sure the Product Key matches the one you see on the sticker, use a
utility like Magic Jellybean
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

True Image
http://www.acronis.com

When you buy a system with Vista pre-installed, you get a very deep discount
on the operating system. This has drawbacks such as the reinstall disk and
support for the OS.

 

[tforms1]

The 'Dell reinstallation DVD' for Vista is used to restore the system to the
same state it was in when you first received the computer. You cannot
convert this disk to a standard, retail installation disk.

I thought a person is able to create a bootable CD through Windows?

 

[AJR]

Have not seen the original post - however if your goal was to create a
"Vista bootable CD" - no can do - Vista is 2+ gigs - CD 700 megs - do the
math.

Also some OEMS retore partitions, or restore removeable media, provide for
"Destrtuctive " (Everything goes) or "Non-destructive" (Data preserved)
restoration.

Verify with Dell.

 

[Tom Porterfield]

I thought a person is able to create a bootable CD through Windows?

If by bootable CD you mean create a DVD that could be booted and
reinstall a standard Windows load, as has been stated it would be up to
the OEM, in your case Dell, to set something up on the PC in order for
you to be able to do that. Since they sent you a reinstallation DVD, it
is unlikely that they also included an application with Windows to
create a restore DVD some other way, as that would be a duplicate effort.

Some OEM's do as you suggest and include a program with Windows that
will create a bootable restore CD or DVD from which you could reload
Windows if needed. I've never seen a Dell with that capability, and
I've never seen a PC that included both a restore/reinstall disk as well
as the ability to create one from files on the hard drive.