Imaging and using image as backup.

[Willow]

G'day all from Australia.
I am a newbie to the forum and have attempted to search for this answer, but some of the info is a bit techo for me!
Quite simply I have a new laptop which I am very happy with. Only problem is having the OS pre-installed. Back in the day when you got installation discs for Windows and your drivers, I liked to "scrub" my computer completely with a HDD erasing program, and then do a then do a clean re-install. Obviously something I can't do anymore.
So, will the back-up I did to do DVDs (one recovery disc and five back up discs) replicate what the OS discs used to do? If so, do I boot from the recovery disc and go from there?
Thanks!
Ben

 

[johnb35]

Yes, if you used the laptop manufacturer's recovery disk creator then you have a full set of recovery disks in case disaster strikes. It will install the OS and all drivers and apps.

 

[Willow]

Good on you John, thank-you very much! Now the next question. I also have a netbook which I'd love to "srub" as well. But of course not having a DVD drive, the above process can't occur. I backed it up to an external HDD but am unsure how I'd steer the netbook to the correct folder on the HDD. Can I hit you (on anyone else!) up for laymen's directions on that one as well?

 

[AntimatterAsh]

Good on you John, thank-you very much! Now the next question. I also have a netbook which I'd love to "srub" as well. But of course not having a DVD drive, the above process can't occur. I backed it up to an external HDD but am unsure how I'd steer the netbook to the correct folder on the HDD. Can I hit you (on anyone else!) up for laymen's directions on that one as well?

The OEMs website should have a USB recovery media creator on it, or if not, just network the two machines together, share the dvd drive on one and do it over the network! - You will have to map the network drive first!