Backup (WindowsXP for Sony Viao)

[eal4]

Post deleted by eal4

[DaveA]

Did you use Windows Explorer to check the CD or did you try the recover program?

You would be much better off using a 3rd party type of backup, even MS does not install it by default. This should tell you someting <img src=/S/evilgrin.gif border=0 alt=evilgrin width=15 height=15>

Drive Image is one of the best.

[JoeP517]

On a recovery CD the OEM can do pretty much whatever they want in regards to features not originally installed. The recovery CD is supposed to be an easy way to restore the PC to the state it was when it left the factory. You should always try to get a full product CD with a new PC. That is tough nowadays with the many OEMs. Anyway, as Dave said you need to investigate a third party backup solution. I'd recommend Drive Image also.

HTH, Joe

[bigaldoc]

I second what Dave said about using Drive Image. Besides which, I think I've seen someone here in The Lounge say that the built-in backup program in Windows will not use CDs for backup destination.

[eal4]

Thanks guys, but I'm not looking to buy additional software.

[Keely]

Let's get this out of the way: the backup program included in Windows sucks, period. It won't do what you want: reliable, easy backups on the media of your choice.

I don't believe in people rushing out to buy lots of things for their computer that they don't need, particularly in the realm of software. However, there's one area that you cannot scrimp on, unless your computer is just a plaything. That's security of your data. Security from intrusion (firewalls), from malicious damage (viruses), and from accident (backup). Incredibly, there are excellent firewalls available for free, like Zonealarm. Anti-virus protection costs $30 a year and a good backup program like Drive Image is around $65. If you're not willing to spend 2-3% of the purchase price of your computer to protect it, I really don't know what to say. It's like driving a car without insurance.

None of the Loungers here that have tried to help are snake oil salesmen and make a profit if you go out an spend more money. Listen to their advice. The first time you need to restore some data with your backup program, you realize that the program is worth hundreds more to you.

<img src=/S/sorry.gif border=0 alt=sorry width=15 height=15> if that was harsh, but there's my <img src=/S/2cents.gif border=0 alt=2cents width=15 height=15> .

[WyllyWylly]

<hr>Let's get this out of the way: the backup program included in Windows sucks, period. It won't do what you want: reliable, easy backups on the media of your choice.<hr>

<img src=/S/rofl.gif border=0 alt=rofl width=15 height=15> Keely, tell us what you really think! <img src=/S/laugh.gif border=0 alt=laugh width=15 height=15>

[bigaldoc]

I hope you won't take offense, but: YOU GO, GIRL!

I don't even remember who coined the phrase, but you hit the three nails right squarely on the head!

[Keely]

Whooops, was that my out-loud voice again?

[mokely]

If you can't afford a virus scanner try AVG. It is free and reliably updated (only fortnightly though)

[bigaldoc]

Looks like the "original post'er" didn't care for our advice!

[cowboydawg]

Should not ask if ya don't want an answer <img src=/S/fire.gif border=0 alt=fire width=15 height=15> <img src=/S/flee.gif border=0 alt=flee width=25 height=25> <img src=/S/groovin.gif border=0 alt=groovin width=21 height=21>

[DaveA]

<img src=/S/joy.gif border=0 alt=joy width=23 height=23>
<img src=/S/fire.gif border=0 alt=fire width=15 height=15>