creating recovery discs

[Dharma]

I recently purchased a new machine with Vista installed by the manufacterer.
the hard drive has been partitioned with a 10gb section holding recovery
files. I was originaly told by the salesman,( who apparently had an
overwhelming compunction to lie ) that the partition was the complete
installation of the OS and that I could burn as many copies as I wanted.
After I got the machine home and powered up I found that several of his
claimes were false. including the contents of the partition. What I have are
recovery files. OH well, My main problem is that when I try the burn to cd
obviously the files wont fit on one disk and I ame unable to insert a second
disc to continue the burn without the system going back to the begining and
starting over. I must be using the wrong process as I would think that I
would be prompted to insert the second disc. Secondly I want the original
instalation disk. I feel that its BS that because I didn't install the OS my
self that I don't get a disc. I still payed for the OS. I've done this enough
that I know that I need to be prepared for a melt down. And the time to
prepare is before it happens. I have alot of questions about imaging on DVD,
Bios, etc. but first I want to burn the recovery files. Any advice?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246/en-gb

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

---------------------------------------------------------------

I recently purchased a new machine with Vista installed by the manufacterer.
the hard drive has been partitioned with a 10gb section holding recovery
files. I was originaly told by the salesman,( who apparently had an
overwhelming compunction to lie ) that the partition was the complete
installation of the OS and that I could burn as many copies as I wanted.
After I got the machine home and powered up I found that several of his
claimes were false. including the contents of the partition. What I have are
recovery files. OH well, My main problem is that when I try the burn to cd
obviously the files wont fit on one disk and I ame unable to insert a second
disc to continue the burn without the system going back to the begining and
starting over. I must be using the wrong process as I would think that I
would be prompted to insert the second disc. Secondly I want the original
instalation disk. I feel that its BS that because I didn't install the OS my
self that I don't get a disc. I still payed for the OS. I've done this enough
that I know that I need to be prepared for a melt down. And the time to
prepare is before it happens. I have alot of questions about imaging on DVD,
Bios, etc. but first I want to burn the recovery files. Any advice?

 

[Dharma]

Hey Carey thanx for responding so quickly. I tried to go to the address you
posted and was informed that the page that I requested was not available. I
seem to get this often when using addresses given me by Microsoft
representatives. I have had alot of contact with some of the techs both on
line and via phone. There are several open incident reports concerning my
prior difficulties all unsolved. I loged in over 20 hours on the phones with
techs when I finally gave up and bought this machine. If I understand the
address I simply go to support and look up KB32246 and I should find the info
your trying to connect me with. Again thanx.

 

[Dharma]

Good point Dave and I did have that option but chose to keep the machine. I
like it even though some of the claim's were false. Such as I was told or at
least lead to believe I was getting Vista premium and I got home basic. basic
is sufficient for my needs plus to go back and trade for another machine, I
would of course have to lay out more cash. secondly the more streemlined the
OS the faster it is. I don't think I can get any more basic then basic. I'm
happy with the machine and the OS so I'll keep it. I have learned from my
experience and it will be very difficult to dupe me in the future so all in
all I come out ahead.

 

[Nonny]

I recently purchased a new machine with Vista installed by the manufacterer.
the hard drive has been partitioned with a 10gb section holding recovery
files. I was originaly told by the salesman,( who apparently had an
overwhelming compunction to lie ) that the partition was the complete
installation of the OS and that I could burn as many copies as I wanted.
After I got the machine home and powered up I found that several of his
claimes were false. including the contents of the partition. What I have are
recovery files. OH well, My main problem is that when I try the burn to cd

You DO mean to DVD, right??? If you haven't tried a DVD, you
definitely should.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

You DO mean to DVD, right??? If you haven't tried a DVD, you
definitely should.

Since you don't give the make and model of your computer no one can advise
you how to make the recovery dvds. As Nonny points out, cds will not work.
You require dvds.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I recently purchased a new machine with Vista installed by the manufacterer.
the hard drive has been partitioned with a 10gb section holding recovery
files. I was originaly told by the salesman,( who apparently had an
overwhelming compunction to lie ) that the partition was the complete
installation of the OS and that I could burn as many copies as I wanted.

Probably true.

After I got the machine home and powered up I found that several of his
claimes were false. including the contents of the partition. What I have are
recovery files. OH well, My main problem is that when I try the burn to cd
obviously the files wont fit on one disk and I ame unable to insert a second
disc to continue the burn without the system going back to the begining and
starting over. I must be using the wrong process as I would think that I
would be prompted to insert the second disc.

First, you need to burn to a DVD, not a CD. Second, you need to follow
the manufacturer's instructions for how to create the DVD.

Secondly I want the original
instalation disk. I feel that its BS that because I didn't install the OS my
self that I don't get a disc. I still payed for the OS.

You get what you bought. When you buy *anything*, it's up to you to
determine what is being offered for sale, and whether you are happy
with that in return for the price you pay. What you "want" is
irrelevant if you got what was offered for sale. Caveat emptor.

To perhaps make things a little clearer, OEM vendors are required by
their agreement with Microsoft to give you a means of reinstalling,
should it be necessary. They can do this in one of three ways:

1. An OEM copy of Windows
2. A restore CD
3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.

If you don't have 1 or 2, you should (and apparently do) have 3, but
you may want to contact your vendor to be sure.

Personally, I find both 2 and 3 unacceptable, and would never choose
to buy a computer that came with an operating system unless I got a
complete generic installation CD for that operating system.

Like you, I want an installation disk when I buy a machine, and I
would never have chosen to buy what you did. But don't blame anyone
but yourself if you didn't take the trouble to find out exactly what
you were getting for your money.

 

[Not Me]

I recently purchased a new machine with Vista installed by the
manufacterer.
the hard drive has been partitioned with a 10gb section holding recovery
files. I was originaly told by the salesman,( who apparently had an
overwhelming compunction to lie ) that the partition was the complete
installation of the OS and that I could burn as many copies as I wanted.
After I got the machine home and powered up I found that several of his
claimes were false. including the contents of the partition. What I have
are
recovery files. OH well, My main problem is that when I try the burn to cd
obviously the files wont fit on one disk and I ame unable to insert a
second
disc to continue the burn without the system going back to the begining
and
starting over. I must be using the wrong process as I would think that I
would be prompted to insert the second disc. Secondly I want the original
instalation disk. I feel that its BS that because I didn't install the OS
my
self that I don't get a disc. I still payed for the OS. I've done this
enough
that I know that I need to be prepared for a melt down. And the time to
prepare is before it happens. I have alot of questions about imaging on
DVD,
Bios, etc. but first I want to burn the recovery files. Any advice?

You don't say the make of the machine, different makers have different
procedures.
Many systems have a utility built in to burn recovery CDs or DVDs.
On the Start>Programs menu, is there a folder with the makers name?
Usually in that folder is the software to make the CDs or DVDs.
My last machine gave me the option to burn 13 CDs or 1 DVD.

 

[Charles W Davis]

Probably true.




First, you need to burn to a DVD, not a CD. Second, you need to follow
the manufacturer's instructions for how to create the DVD.




You get what you bought. When you buy *anything*, it's up to you to
determine what is being offered for sale, and whether you are happy
with that in return for the price you pay. What you "want" is
irrelevant if you got what was offered for sale. Caveat emptor.

To perhaps make things a little clearer, OEM vendors are required by
their agreement with Microsoft to give you a means of reinstalling,
should it be necessary. They can do this in one of three ways:

1. An OEM copy of Windows
2. A restore CD
3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.

If you don't have 1 or 2, you should (and apparently do) have 3, but
you may want to contact your vendor to be sure.

Personally, I find both 2 and 3 unacceptable, and would never choose
to buy a computer that came with an operating system unless I got a
complete generic installation CD for that operating system.

Like you, I want an installation disk when I buy a machine, and I
would never have chosen to buy what you did. But don't blame anyone
but yourself if you didn't take the trouble to find out exactly what
you were getting for your money.

Ken,

I have helped many in our Computer Club burn the DVSs on HP and Compaq
machines. One thing that folks overlook is the F1 key. Then search for
"recovery disc" (without the quotes) and click on Recovery Manager, then
click on Recovery Disc Creator. When launched you will be directed to have
on hand either 3 DVD-R or 16 CD-R discs. It works like a charm.

You can also contact the manufacturer for the disks. The last time that the
subject came up at a club meeting, a couple of member claimed that the discs
were $10 each.

 

[josephwin]

Dharma,If you have read all of the replies after your posting you will get a good feeling of why and why not buying a computer with the operating system already installed. Remember also, that Vista installation in on a DVD. Why? Well many of the Windows add-ons are on this DVD. Like IE7, Media player, and windows media center. We all learn the traveled way...Joseph


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