refresh cd

[jes]

With my computer is what Future Shop calls a "refresh disk". I just put the cd in the drive and it does the rest...reformating my hd and putting HPs bastardized version of Windoze back one with a bunch of add-ins like AOL pager and stuff.
I am wondering how to make my own. I have taken off alot of the crap that they originally put on my computer that I don't want and naturaly, I have put other things on. There is just over 2.4 Gb now. I would need to burn 4 CD-Rs to fit it all. I just don't know where to start. Do I have to use Norton Ghost to copy the 2.4 Gb to the cds? I think I have to make the first disk bootable and it will just ask me for the next when it is done. Is that the way it is?

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"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer a Rolls Royce today would cost $100, get a million miles to the gallon and explode once a year, killing everyone inside." - Robert Cringely, InfoWorld Columnist

[iisbob]

What they call a " refresh " disk is actually a restore disk that all manufacturers now give out with their PC's; save's them on liscensing costs of the Window's OS. And in my opinion is a big ripoff.

If you wished to make your own, then you'll need a fresh OEM install of your choice of OS, all the software program's you normally use-make sure everything is configured the way you want it-then use a program like Norton's ghost, it creats a compressed drive image ( and ISO actually ) that will usually fit onto 1 CD, however , depending on the no# of programs you may need as many as 3.

My advice for such a restore disk is just to make sure you have only the OS and pertinent setup programs to backup to the CD-you can backup up data seperately and install them (it) at your conveniance. Save the restore CD for the primary necessary software.





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iisbob

CPU= 5mhz
Memory= 16 K
Storage=10.2MB's
Video=Onboard S3 4K
Modem=14.4 baud
Sound=ISA Yamaha 8bit
Mouse=2 button MS
Monitor=ACER 12.5"
OS= { dual boot }DOS 2.1 & WIN 3.1

My ultimate gaming system :)

[Jacko]

GOt it in one - Go with "Ghost"... Its fast too which means if you ever get a slight problem with your PC, you can have it back up and running in about 10 minutes!

Just rememeber to update the Images when you add things to your PC!

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Memory Upgrade?

[kayofcircles]

This article might be helpful. It's for 98, and has some recommended software to make your own restore disk, but I think one could substitute similar software and follow basic instructions.
How to revamp Windows (http://www.pcnuthut.com/Info/revampwindows.htm)

[jes]

How is the restore disk a big ripoff?

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"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer a Rolls Royce today would cost $100, get a million miles to the gallon and explode once a year, killing everyone inside." - Robert Cringely, InfoWorld Columnist

[sea69]

iisbob

what about "Back up of System State" in winXP??




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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[iisbob]

A restore disc is a ripoff because when you purchase that PC , you're also purchasing a liscense { exclusive to that one machine } for a copy of Window's operating system and any other software installed; which simply means you should get An OEM copy of the OS, OEM disk's of any installed software among other things.

There have been some small stirrings in the legal field on whether this qualifies as an unfair business act. I certainly think so. After all, %80 of the price on a new PC you bought retail is for the software and their liscense.

Not sure what you're talking about Sea, but the system restore function in Xp { or ME } are not the same thing.

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iisbob

"It is by the fortune of God that, in this country, we have three benefits: freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the wisdom never to use either."
-Mark Twain { Samuel Clemen's }

[This message has been edited by iisbob (edited 02-26-2002).]

[kayofcircles]

I hope someone will correct me if I am wrong in this, but I also thought that the Restore CD that comes with the puter has drivers for that mobo and peripherals so that if one tried to upgrade to another mobo or something, one would run into problems trying to use the Restore CD.

[jes]

The OEM of the OS and the OEM of any other programs costs less to produce than the restore disk? I just don't understand what you mean by it being a big rip off.

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"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer a Rolls Royce today would cost $100, get a million miles to the gallon and explode once a year, killing everyone inside." - Robert Cringely, InfoWorld Columnist

[mjc]

kay it isn't the drivers that cause the problems, it is that the restore CD is usually keyed in some manner to the BIOS or some other unique ID feature of the particular PC it came with...my HP CD has the restore files encrypted, and the "BIOS tattoo" that HP puts on its machines seems to be the key for that encryption...

jes, when you get the restore disk you are not getting the actual installation disks but most often a "drive image" of the factory fresh configuration of the machine...so the only way to repair a problem with an installation is to wipe out all the existing data and replace it it with what came on it originally, also you can't skip software or features you don't want or need...they are installed by default and then you will need to uninstall them. Also it makes it more difficult to add features or update items (ever notice that sometimes you are asked to insert the Windows CD when doing an update?)

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.