How many DVDs does it require to backup a system image of windows 8?

[azncapcom]

Just bought a new laptop for my aunt. Installed the preloaded windows 8. About to create a system image backup at the moment. It says it "could take up to 26GB of disk space" its because 26gb of the HDD is used. Im just wondering if this is an accurate representation of the size required to backup for system image? I only have 3 dvds at the moment and don't want to start the backup if I require more.

[george__]

do you have a old SATA hdd you aren't using?

If so, clone the laptop hard drive to that sata hdd.

This will probably save you from wasting all the DVDs...

[azncapcom]

it is just the OS that i want to backup. The computer is still brand new with nothing on it. I just turned it on and it finished setting up the preloaded windows.

Is it possible to split the drive into multiple partitions now that windows is already on it?


Also I plan to install windows 7 on it instead, that is why i want to back up the windows 8 to have it just in case. Another thing is that the licence key is no longer listed on the bottom of the laptop? Where would i find my licence key if i wanted to reinstall windows 8 in the future if i lost my backup system image?

[HDawg]

This link should help: http://www.pcworld.com/article/24604...oduct_key.html

There is a link to the software to get the key.

If you install Clonezilla, I believe there are options for compression and how to split up data disks. The 26GB is uncompressed, so realistically, with some compression, I expect about 6 DVDs to back it up.

Another option is to partition the drive, and clone the C: to D:, then you can copy that image file to USB or network. I have used GParted in the past. Here is an overview of some free software: http://www.top5freeware.com/top-5-fr...re-for-windows

[azncapcom]

ok so i just found out that the product key is encrypted into the BIOS on newer laptops that are pre loaded with win8.

If thats the case, all i need to do is have a copy of the windows disc to install and it will auto update from the licence key locked in the bios.

Where do i get a copy of windows 8 from a legitimate site? Im just looking for the software and not any keys/cracked versions. It doesn't seem like microsoft lets you download it.

[azncapcom]

ok great, nothing is working my way at the moment. I am trying to create a system image on dvds, and it gives me an error message before it even starts backing up...

I get "The drive ccannot find the sector requested. (0x8007001B)"

[Gee]

There should be a utility to create recovery Discs in the system

Generally with compression it should take 3 - 4 DVDs

The reason you need so many DVDs is the crapware that gets installed with every new system.

[Warlock]

... "The drive ccannot find the sector requested. (0x8007001B)"

Similar complaint, LINK

[jensen1]

use clonezilla with an external hdd, very reliable, very quick