Saving Windows op. system

Hello!

I bought a notebook (Compaq) yesterday, with Windows 7 installed. I thought I'd get an original installation CD drive with it, but the guy in the shop told me that if I want to save the Windows I can do it, there is no CD.
So I took in a DVD (4700 MB) and tried to copy Windows from the PC's "C" drive, but I found out that it was 11700 MB, and the software kept telling me to insert another disc where there's enough space. It didn't offer to burn the 1/3 and then to another DVD the 2nd part or something like that.
I'd be assured if I could make a security copy of Windows, but shall I always select 100 files for the first 4,7 GB and then another 100 for the 2nd and the last ones for a third? Or how shall I make it? Are there files which are not important to reinstall if there's any problem?

Looking forward to your answers...
Thanks in advance!

Aniko

 

You could get Acronis True Image, the free one might be available here on MG. I had to do that with a Gateway LT I bought that had no recovery CD or partition.

 

Which model compaq? Have you read the manual? There should be an option/program to burn a recovery DVD somewhere in the installed programs.

You should end up with a single DVD that will be able to take you to factory "just out of the box" condition.

 

Thank you Sach2, I forgot to mention that point in my post.

 

Thanks to all of you for your help. It's a Compaq Presario CQ 71 notebook, and at the first use I only read the "big paper" with the most important instructions, where it told me to follow the instuctions on the screen, so I did that.
Now, following your advise, I read the manual and found out that there's an option in one of the folders (there is no Compaq folder, but there is a "maintenance" folder). (I didn't read it at first because it's only in French as I bought the PC in France, but I speak better English or German but not perfect French...)
But now I managed to create a "restauration Windows 7 DVD" so it's great. Thanks again guys.

Aniko

 

Glad you got your DVD. Put it in a safe place (but not so safe that you can't find it).

If you haven't tried already, you can go to HP.com and try to find a PDF version of your manual in German or English. Check the tag on the bottom of the laptop to get the exact model number. Once you get to the page for your exact model you'll find a link to manuals on the bottom to the far right of the page.

 

Hello Sach2,

OK, I'll try to put it in a safe place - but after some time every place is too safe cuz I can't find anything... but that's not a software problem.
As for the manual thanks for the tip, I will go there and check out as there might be some other important things to know where I have no patience to read in French.
A.