How do I create a system Image of Drive D *ONLY*

[vincej]

I need a recovery disc to reinstall Windows on a new HDD. I am following the prompts to create a system image for drive D, which I believe is the system recovery. BUT, when I do the create ISO feature wants to also include my whole C drive and is telling me I will need 135GB to do the job.

There is no obvious selector to choose D only, yet, I see on Google tutorials where there is a selector - so what has changed ??

How can I ONLY create a recovery disc without backing up my whole C drive onto disc?

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

If you have a PC built by a large company they probably provide the system disk builder program

Sometimes files are on d: in a hidden folder or a hidden partition

Without exact make & model details no one can give exact procedure
Win 7 is usually to 2 or 3 dvd's and win 8 to a usb memory stick

If you have a retail win 7 key you can download a replacement disk image (ISO) from Microsoft
Usefull if disk is scratched or lost but must have key before download allowed

Regards
Mike Barnes

 

[vincej]

Hi

If you have a PC built by a large company they probably provide the system disk builder program

Sometimes files are on d: in a hidden folder or a hidden partition

Without exact make & model details no one can give exact procedure
Win 7 is usually to 2 or 3 dvd's and win 8 to a usb memory stick

If you have a retail win 7 key you can download a replacement disk image (ISO) from Microsoft
Usefull if disk is scratched or lost but must have key before download allowed

Regards
Mike Barnes

thanks fro that - yes I have a Dell Laptop with an OEM key. My HDD is failing and I need a restore disc asap.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

Ask dell technical support or read user guide for recovery disk builder
They will want exact model or serial number

Or buy a recovery disk set from Dell

Regards
Mike Barnes

 

[boosted1g]

If hard drive is failing then trying to clone the recovery partition will likely not work well.

You will likely have to contact dell for recovery disks

 

[vincej]

Hi

Ask dell technical support or read user guide for recovery disk builder
They will want exact model or serial number

Or buy a recovery disk set from Dell

Regards
Mike Barnes

Thanks for that. sadly Dell has a policy where it will not sell you a recovery disc if your machine is out of warrranty - nice people ...

 

[boosted1g]

Download macrium reflect and do a full clone of your drive, not just a specific partition.

With some luck you might be able to get it to work.
Or with bad luck you might kill the drive in the process.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

I looked up my notes for a Dell Inspiron laptop N5010

Look for Dell datasafe local backup
then look for Create Recovery Media option

it may differ for other models or desktop PC's
It will be in the setup guide for your Dell

regards
Mike Barnes