Windows 7 backup asks for install disk

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When I try to make a system restore disk, it ask for an install disk but my computer came with Win7 installed and I have no disk.

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Welcome to the Lounge!!

If you purchased the PC from a retailer or big OEM vendor there is often a procedure supplied on the PC to create a reinstallation disk. If you bought the PC from a local PC vendor they should’ve provided you with the install media.

Joe

--Joe

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This is a Dell machine. Could you guess where I could find it?

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I’d look for a “Dell” folder in the “All Programs” part of the start menu. Look for a “Create installation media” or “Create reinstallation disk” or something similar.

Also, possibly in the Maintenance folder of the start menu.

Joe

--Joe

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If you can’t find it there, give Dell a call. They will (usually) send you a set of installations disks for your machine at no charge.

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You’re welcome! I hope you get this resolved!

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When I try to make a system restore disk, it ask for an install disk but my computer came with Win7 installed and I have no disk.

It shouldn’t be asking you for an install disk; it should only be asking you for a blank disk to write to.

Microsoft doesn’t word some things very well at all. I don’t think you want a “system restore” disk, I think you want a “system repair” disk. Click the Start button, then type “system repair” in the search box (without the quotes) and “Create a System Repair Disc” should be on the top of the list. Click on that link, and see if it asks for a CD to write to.

That is the disk you use to restore a previously created drive image.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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The box that comes up when I do that says “The files needed to create a system repair disk were not found on this computer. You can still create a system repair disk if you have a system install disc.” And there is an input box whick has a drop-down with the only selection “DVD RW Drive {G:}”.

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The box that comes up when I do that says “The files needed to create a system repair disk were not found on this computer. You can still create a system repair disk if you have a system install disc.” And there is an input box whick has a drop-down with the only selection “DVD RW Drive {G:}”.

I’m making the assumption that your Dell is probably still under warranty. I would suggest you contact Dell Support to get this issue resolved. You should have a full installation of Windows 7, with no missing files.

I’m using a Dell to write this, and it’s only a couple of months old. I created a “System Repair Disc” when I unboxed the PC, and it has the ability to create another one now; no missing files or whatever. It just asks for a CD to write to.

Dell used to include full installation media with their machines; now they’ve gone the route of the hidden restore partition that puts everything back to the out-of-the-box condition. But Dell Support will usually provide what you need, although sometimes at a small fee.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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Dell used to include full installation media with their machines; now they’ve gone the route of the hidden restore partition that puts everything back to the out-of-the-box condition. But Dell Support will usually provide what you need, although sometimes at a small fee.

Just an FYI on this. I’ve found that getting disks with a Dell machine just “depends”. On what? I can’t say, although I think the lower end Dells don’t, and higher ones do. I bought a Studio 1555 laptop a little over a year ago and I was pleasantly surprised to find a full set of setup disks in the box. Being that the machine cost me just over $1k, it shouldn’t be a question, but I wasn’t expecting them.

Yes, they will provide them if you call. I got a set for my old Inspiron 6000 when I called about it. the laptop was 3 years out of warranty, I was more than happy to pay for them. I was putting a larger HD in, and I told them I wanted the disks to cover my self in case of an issue. The tech said “Oh, your PC isn’t booting, we’ll help you get that fixed. I started to repeat what I was doing, he interrupted, and repeated that he wanted to help me get it to boot. Good guy, he was giving me an out to get the disks for free.

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Just an FYI on this. I’ve found that getting disks with a Dell machine just “depends”. On what? I can’t say, although I think the lower end Dells don’t, and higher ones do. I bought a Studio 1555 laptop a little over a year ago and I was pleasantly surprised to find a full set of setup disks in the box. Being that the machine cost me just over $1k, it shouldn’t be a question, but I wasn’t expecting them.

Yes, they will provide them if you call. I got a set for my old Inspiron 6000 when I called about it. the laptop was 3 years out of warranty, I was more than happy to pay for them. I was putting a larger HD in, and I told them I wanted the disks to cover my self in case of an issue. The tech said “Oh, your PC isn’t booting, we’ll help you get that fixed. I started to repeat what I was doing, he interrupted, and repeated that he wanted to help me get it to boot. Good guy, he was giving me an out to get the disks for free.

Thanks. I will give them a call.

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Thanks. I will give them a call.

I wish you the best. I can’t say you’ll get them free, but who knows. Let us know what happens!

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Go to Control Panel, backup and Restore. Choose Create a Repair Disk as shown:

27941-SystemRepair

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It is not asking for an install disk. It is requesting a blank cd or dvd to make a system restore disk. It acts as a boot disk in case of disasters. Just place a blank cd or dvd in your dvd writer drive.

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It is not asking for an install disk. It is requesting a blank cd or dvd to make a system restore disk. It acts as a boot disk in case of disasters. Just place a blank cd or dvd in your dvd writer drive.

It would appear that you missed a post:

The box that comes up when I do that says “The files needed to create a system repair disk were not found on this computer. You can still create a system repair disk if you have a system install disc.” And there is an input box whick has a drop-down with the only selection “DVD RW Drive {G:}”.

“…if you have a system install disc” means that it is indeed asking for an installation disc to read from and copy the relevant files to a temp folder in order to write a repair disc, since the wizard was unable to find the necessary files on his computer.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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Dell has a recovery program on the computer. I used it to creat the disk. I think that should protect me.
Thanks to all for the help.

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You may be able to create your own Windows 7 installation DVD from this:
http://download.cnet.com/Windows-7-USB-DVD-Download-Tool/3000-18513_4-10972600.html

If you need the iso file try one of these:
http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65732/X15-65732.iso

http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65733/X15-65733.iso

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