How to Make a Windows Vista System Recovery Disc

Use the Windows Vista Backup and Restore utility to create a recovery disc.

Any computer has the unfortunate possibility of suffering from a system crash. This can occur after a system update, installation of new software or virus download. To prevent the loss of your files, you should create a recovery disc. The Windows Vista operating system has the ability to create a recovery disc to back up files, folders and applications in case of computer failure. This can be accomplished by using the Backup and Restore utility wizard, which can be accessed from the Control Panel.

Instructions

1. Insert a blank CD into the disc drive of the computer. If a dialog window opens, close it.

2. Click "Start" followed by "Control Panel," then select "System and Maintenance" from the list of options.

3. Click "Backup and Restore Center," then click "Back up files." The "Set up backup" wizard window will open.

4. Click the disc drive icon in the "Save backup on" backup destination box. Click "Next," then click the check box next to either "Let Windows choose" or "Let me choose" on the "What do you want back up?" page. If you select the option to choose the files you want to backup, click "Next." Select the files and folders on the next page, then click "Next." If you select the option to let Windows choose the backup files, click "Next."

5. Click the "Save settings and run backup" button. The wizard will transfer the files to the CD. If you need more than one CD, the system will prompt you to insert another CD into the disc drive at the appropriate time. Click "Finish" when the wizard has completed the file transfer and backup.

Tips & Warnings

• You must be logged in as an administrator to use the Backup an Restore utility.

References

• Microsoft: Back Up Your Files
• Microsoft: What Are the System Recovery Options in Windows Vista?
• Microsoft: Back Up and Restore: Frequently Asked Questions