Hi Alan,
Because you said "if I wait too long that I need three DVDs instead of the usual two", it does sound like your Dells are using something like a stripped down version of Acronis' True Image.
If it was just making the original, factory default restore disks, I would expect the resultant DVD(s) to be the same size, regardless of what you've added to the system.
Perhaps that is why Dell suggests making the restore disk early-on?
But as long as the computer is running well, any time you make a system image is a good time!
But getting back to Sue's original question, I would recommend that she make restore disks right away.
rogerX
--- In simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, "Alan" <snavenala@...> wrote:
>
> I may well be wrong on that point Roger (not the first time I've been wrong
> when it comes to computers). I'm probably assuming too much. This is a new
> Acer and I haven't installed one of those in a long time. I work quite a bit
> with new Dell laptops and desktops and there is already a recovery partition
> on those PCs. Dell DataSafe Local Back-up prods you to make back-up DVDs of
> the whole system from the start and I notice that if I wait too long that I
> need three DVDs instead of the usual two. You can use these to go back to
> the factory configuration without wiping off your personal files. But it's
> obviously different to a standard set of recovery disks in other brands, so
> I'm probably on the wrong track I agree. Dells are delivered (at least in
> Europe) with a standard DVD containing the drivers and I order the Windows 7
> DVD (used to be free but it costs a wee bit extra nowadays) as additional
> insurance.
>
> I still make the two recovery DVDs although I also make Acronis images of
> the whole system at two different stages during the installation. A bit
> over-cautious but better safe...
>
> Alan
>
>
>
> -----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
> Van: simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com] Namens RogerX19
> Verzonden: zondag 18 december 2011 22:13
> Aan: simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com
> Onderwerp: Re: [Simply Computers] My new Acer AM3970-ES30P what to do first?
>
> Hi Alan,
>
> I may be wrong, but I think you're confusing the Backup disks that Windows
> can make, with the Recovery disks that computer manufacturers used to
> supply.
>
> As you know, nowadays computers don't come with Recovery disks, the
> manufacturers expect you to burn your own.
>
> As others have noted, these will restore the computer to factory default,
> and will not include any updates you have made to it. They will, however,
> include any drivers that are necessary for that particular computer.
>
> You are correct that after she has made the Recovery disks, and after she
> has done all the Windows updates, she should run the Windows Backup and
> Restore utility, and "Create a system image", either onto an external hard
> drive, or onto DVDs.
>
> In the Backup and Restore utility, there is also a "Create a system repair
> disc", which may be helpful in the future.
>
> rogerX
>
> --- In simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, "Alan" <snavenala@> wrote:
> >
> > Sue, I would wait if I were you. A powerful computer like that needs a
> > good, fast Internet connection for various reasons.
> >
> > If I'm installing a new computer here, the first thing I do is update
> > Windows 7. Then 2) I remove programs like the standard trial version
> > of the installed antivirus program, usually McAfee, Norton or Trend
> > Micro, plus other trial versions of paid programs, and download and 3)
> > install a good free antivirus program and accompanying maintenance
> > programs like CCleaner and Malwarebytes. Solid protection.
> >
> > For these three basic operations you need a good Internet connection.
> > There's lots more to download after that - other updates and fun programs.
> > Simply put, dial-up isn't going to do it justice and you'll end up
> > frustrated and struggling because some of these updates are 'really'
> > big. It would be a shame because you have a really nice computer there
> > with good hardware specs.
> >
> > If you don't have Window 7's Service Pack 1 on there for instance and
> > you try to download that on a dial-up connection, I think you'll end
> > up regretting it. Better to wait till you have DSL at the end of the
> > month and enjoy the computer the way it's meant to be. You'll get good
> > advice here about how to do that.
> >
> > Once you've brought your Windows 7 up to date, you can burn your
> > recovery disks (usually two DVDs). I would do that just after you've
> > updated Windows
> > 7 because the back-up program makes an image of exactly what's on your
> > system at that moment. So before installing lots of new programs.
> Otherwise
> > you'll need more DVDs.
> >
> > Installing a new computer is fun. Everything downloads fast and
> > installs smoothly but you need a rough idea about what to download and
> > install. We can help with that. But I think most members would agree
> > that installing a new computer like you have on dial-up would be no
> > fun at all. I shudder at the thought personally having worked in the
> > past with 56 kbit/s dial-up connections. Obviously some members have
> > no choice with geographical location and I don't want to offend
> > anybody but you'll need the patience of a saint if you use dial-up with
> your new computer.
> >
> > Put the computer away in a corner and pat it occasionally until the
> > end of the month ;-) Only 12 days to go. Just my recommendation.
> >
> > Alan
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
> > Van: simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com
> > [mailto:simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com] Namens Sue
> > Verzonden: zondag 18 december 2011 18:44
> > Aan: simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com
> > Onderwerp: [Simply Computers] My new Acer AM3970-ES30P what to do first?
> >
> > Finally got a new computer $429.86 CDN + tax, on sale, to replace this
> > 11 year old dinosaur. Currently have dial-up internet.
> >
> > Will not be able to have DSL until the end of the month and am
> > wondering if I should turn it on and make the restore disks before I
> > get it hooked up to the internet or wait. The saleswoman told me to
> > wait as it would want to update Windows 7 and that any DVDs would be OK.
> I got Staples brand DVD+R.
> > Have never had a new modern computer (DOS baby) so am not sure how to
> > proceed. Please advise. Specs below.
> >
> > Thanks in advance
> > Sue
> >
> > 3.3GHz Intel Core i3 2120 Processor; 3MB Cache 4GB system memory 1TB
> > SATA hard drive 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive Windows 7 Home Premium
> > Intel HD graphics 2000 High-definition audio with 5.1-channel audio
> > support Connectivity options include Gigabit Ethernet LAN and Wireless
> > LAN 802.11b/g/n
> > Multi-in-1 memory card reader
> > Ports include 3 x USB 3.0 and 10 x USB 2.0 Includes Acer USB keyboard
> > and optical mouse
> > Dimensions: 16.46"(H) x 7.08"(W) x 15.16"(D)
> > Weight: 17 lb.
> > 1-year limited warranty
> >
> > Specifications Processor 3.3GHz Intel Core i3 2120 Memory 4GB Memory
> > Type
> > DDR3 Maximum Memory Supported Not Avail. Hard Drive 1TB SATA Hard
> > Drive Speed Not Avail. CD-DVD Drive 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
> > Blu-ray Drive No Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium Ethernet LAN
> > Gigabit Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n Bluetooth No Graphics Intel HD
> > Graphics 2000 # of USB Slots 2 x USB 3.0, 10 x USB 2.0 Media Card
> > Reader 9-in-1 Ports HDMI, VGA, Headphone, Microphone, RJ-45 Other
> > Features Includes Acer USB Keyboard and Optical Mouse Energy Star
> > Qualified Not Avail. Dimensions 16.46"(H) x 7.08"(W) x
> > 15.16"(D) Weight 17 lb. Warranty 1-Year Limited
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Visit Simply Computers Tech Support Group and Helpdesk (24x7).
> > Providing 100% free Computer Tech Support since 1999. With over 12,000
> > members Simply Computers is one of the largest and most active Tech
> > Support Forums on the Internet.
> > http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/simplycomputers2
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit Simply Computers Tech Support Group and Helpdesk (24x7). Providing
> 100% free Computer Tech Support since 1999. With over 12,000 members Simply
> Computers is one of the largest and most active Tech Support Forums on the
> Internet.
> http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/simplycomputers2
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/simplycomputers2
No comments:
Post a Comment