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best way to create image of fresh Windows install

M

max105

Golden Member
I've been getting tired of reinstalling Windows since it takes so long to update all the drivers and patches. I was wondering what the best way to create an image copy of a fresh windows install on my hard drive. I was hoping that this would be faster so I can just copy/restore the image instead of reinstalling windows when I reformat. Does anybody know the best way and/or program to do this?

Thanks.
 
I have used Drive Image recently, to do exactly this! I made a direct copy of my C: to CDR

A clean install of Windows XP, all updates and drivers, plus basics (Winamp etc) used 2 CDRs, on Highest compression.

I could not find the CD key for Office (cds are in wallet, case is in a box somewhere from moving house), so i did not install that, but i guess that would add 1 CD to the number. If you want to take installs of any games, then again you will have to add about 1-2 CDs per game to that total.


Roughly it was about 1GB on HDD to one 650mb CD 🙂



Have not used Ghost recently tho, so can't say anything about that


Confused
 
I don't know of any risks myself, and the only drawbacks I know of are that it takes somewhat longer when using the highest compression, and that the image file isn't all that much smaller. Would probably be worth it if you were trying for the smallest backup file possible.
 
Just wondering because I wouldn't mind backing up my system as is right now. It would be a LOT of Cds without using compression.

G.
 
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