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    Is it really necessary to make recovery CDs?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by JWBlue, Aug 13, 2009.

  1. JWBlue

    JWBlue Notebook Deity

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    I just bought a Sony Vaio and they suggest creating a recovery CD?

    If the computer crashes, the CDs can be used to bring my computer back to where it was when I bought it.

    If I will be getting a Windwos 7 update CD in the near future, is it really necessary to create the recovery CD?

    Couldn't I just use the Windows 7 update CD to restore my computer?
     
    JWBlue, Aug 13, 2009
    #1
  2. Connaught

    Connaught Notebook Guru

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    Umm...

    Well, if you want to reinstall whatever software came installed with the machine without having to go to the OEMs website and downloading, yes.

    If you want to reinstall the OS (which you will) and do not have it on disc, yes.

    So... YES.
     
    Connaught, Aug 13, 2009
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  3. The Fire Snake

    The Fire Snake Notebook Virtuoso

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    I would make them. They are helpful if you want to bring the laptop back to day 1 condition if you want to sell it. Maybe you would want to use Win 7 on another machine.
     
    The Fire Snake, Aug 13, 2009
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  4. jb1007

    jb1007 Full Customization

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    Depends on your knowledge. If you need to ask then yes you should make them. Could be helpful one day - for the amount of time it takes to create them it could save you headaches later on.
     
    jb1007, Aug 13, 2009
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  5. taj619

    taj619 Notebook Consultant

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    well if u r getting a copy of windows 7 you just need backup or restore cds for drivers and important softwares that came preloaded with ur system u need not make any backup cd of the operating system.if it is vista u will be able to save one complete dvd.
     
    taj619, Aug 13, 2009
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  6. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    if your hard drive borks completely, how will you re-load the operating system otherwise?
     
    newsposter, Aug 13, 2009
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  7. DarkSilver

    DarkSilver MSI Afterburner

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    Yes! 100% needed.
    Why we need to make recovery CDs and why recovery is useful?
    1.) Your MBR can be spoil or corrupted to prevent you to launch recovery using your partition.
    2.) Your partition that used for recovery got deleted due to many aspects(especially installing other windows or OS/reformat).
    3.) If anything happen, boot back your laptop to the recovery default factory state. It is the safest.
    4.) Recovery maybe included Drivers and Applications that you need for the laptop. So, you don't need to find the drivers/applications around the internet(sometime can't find).
     
    DarkSilver, Aug 13, 2009
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  8. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    It's there... just do it. Don't come crying back and regretting of not creating it!
     
    kanehi, Aug 13, 2009
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  9. PlasmaShock

    PlasmaShock Notebook Consultant

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    Take it from someone who learned from bad experience a year ago when my other laptop bricked out on me and I didn't have the recovery disks :p
     
    PlasmaShock, Aug 13, 2009
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  10. olyteddy

    olyteddy Notebook Deity

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    Nah, I wouldn't bother. We live in a perfect world, and it is a Sony. What could go wrong? [/end sarcasm]...
     
    olyteddy, Aug 14, 2009
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  11. gdansk

    gdansk Notebook Deity

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    I generally don't burn backup disks, because I usually have multiple computers. So I'm able to repair one if it breaks (and get the proper drivers online) but last time two of my computers failed on the same day (what are the odds?)... As such I'd really recommend burning a recovery CD unless you're a masochist.
     
    gdansk, Aug 14, 2009
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  12. The Fire Snake

    The Fire Snake Notebook Virtuoso

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    Plus if you need recovery disks later then you might have to pay for them from the manufacturer. What's to lose from making them?
     
    The Fire Snake, Aug 14, 2009
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  13. JWBlue

    JWBlue Notebook Deity

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    $6.00 for the disks and I don't like doing things that I don't really need to.
     
    JWBlue, Aug 14, 2009
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  14. DarkSilver

    DarkSilver MSI Afterburner

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    OMG 6USD for 1 to 3 discs?
    @.@? So expensive?
    I used to buy plenty of discs only cost me 6USD.
     
    DarkSilver, Aug 14, 2009
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  15. The Fire Snake

    The Fire Snake Notebook Virtuoso

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    Lol, its up to you then. What can I tell you? I personally don't like spending money on stuff I don't need to. I made my recovery disc for my T61p(3 DVDs) and it took me at most 1/2 hr. I never found it to be a hassle for me and it is going to come as real life saver for me now as I plan on selling the machine and want to restore it back to factory standards.
     
    The Fire Snake, Aug 15, 2009
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  16. Sykotic

    Sykotic Notebook Evangelist

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    Better to have them and NOT need them as to Need them and NOT having them. Also good on the resale end.
     
    Sykotic, Aug 19, 2009
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  17. comrade_commissar7

    comrade_commissar7 Notebook Evangelist

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    If you're reluctant to make recovery CDs, just use your external HD's back-up feature, if it has any, to create back-ups of your important softwares and others that came preloaded with your system. Usually, externals HDs like Seagate, Buffalo, Samsung, and WD have auto back-up feature that nowadays are prerequisite external HD feats.
     
    comrade_commissar7, Aug 19, 2009
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  18. laptop_crazy

    laptop_crazy Notebook Enthusiast

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    what does it take to make recovery discs? 4 DVDs that should cost you under $1 and 1.5 hrs sitting in front of your VAIO laptop? i'll do it if i were you.
     
    laptop_crazy, Aug 20, 2009
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  19. davepermen

    davepermen Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I created the images of the cds, and copied them onto my windows home server software share.


    just do it. just in case. and then be happy to feel that warm fuzzy feeling of feeling save. i know that feeling very well *hugs it's home server* :)

    how much did the laptop cost you? i bet quite much more than the cds :)
     
    davepermen, Aug 20, 2009
    #19