Computer Tip - Make an Image and Never Re-Install Windows Again

Making an "image" basically means taking a snapshot (image) of all of the data on your hard drive and storing it in a file which can be restored at a later date. The image contains your operating system (like Windows Xp), all files which were on your computer when you made the image, and all configuration settings like your Windows goods key, computer name, etc.

When an image is made, you can pick what to make an image of, either it be a incorporate of folders or the whole hard drive. Typically, the image is compressed to save space, and can then be stored in any place you want. It would be a good idea to store the image file on a detach hard drive, like an external hard drive, in the event that your main hard drive dies. If that happens, you'll still have your image in a safe place.

Windows 2008 Networking

Once you have reinstalled the operating system on a computer, installed all the drivers, configured your settings, and installed your important software, it wouldn't be a bad idea to make an image. making an image takes almost 20-30 minutes (or longer depending on how much data) and then takes about the same time to restore.

The imaging software I advise is the Acronis True Image series. Because of the intuitive backup and restore wizards, the software is extremely easy to use with lots of customization. another thing I no ifs ands or buts like about the Acronis True Image products is that it lets you originate a boot Cd which contains all of the same backup and restore utilities found in the main program. This means that you won't have to load the software onto the Pc being imaged; you can just pop in the boot Cd and make an image. The image can then be stored in a range of places such as a hard drive in the Pc, a network share, and Usb drive.

When the time comes to restore your image because of say, a virus or corrupted system files, the boot Cd can be used to restore the image. Just boot from the Cd and use the restore wizard to restore your image to your hard drive. You'll then have a fully functioning system ready to go, in a fraction of the time it would take you to manually reinstall all of the software! This is a fairly tasteless practice used by many It fellowships to cut down on time spent.

Computer Tip - Make an Image and Never Re-Install Windows Again