Backup might require three or four discs. Just direct the backup to that (maybe "E&quot drive. Just for info you very likely have a "D" partition which would restore the computer to day one if all else fails. This would be the "out of the box" setup and would not install with any of your personal info.

Windows PCs used to come with install disks for Windows so that you could restore your system to its original state if something happened to it.

The problem is that most machines these days don't come with DVD drives.

My guess would be that this is an initial Windows setup step that allows you to create something that you can use to re-install windows if you need to start over. That wouldn't be more than a few gigabytes. You can pick that up cheap.


You should still plan for external backup of your data (whether online or a physical external disk), but that wouldn't be a thumb drive

I tried using an external HD to back it up and it was a nightmare. Seems the external HD I had was not working right as it was supposed to back-up XP as well and when I put it into the USB it was nowhere to be found on the old laptop (an IBM ThinkPad) that I have.

When I tried to write the ACER to it, it did it but when attempted to write the back-up for my new laptop on it it kept downloading new drivers for it.

I had to return this thing to the vendor as it was messed up no doubt.

I was wondering if a 1 TB flash drive would do the job?

I managed to get this created and it is supposed to help you to recover in the event of a serious problem. I have this disk.

Do I really need to back it up more?

It came with no instructions nor recovery disks.

It was said to be new and unused and it runs great. I am happy with it but gee, I guess instructions and a recovery disk are too much to ask for.

It is best to have a drive the same size as or larger than your main drive for backups.

You can use an external hard drive or a flash drive to backup. I would go with an external hard drive (it's easier to recover data from these than a flash drive in the even the drive dies). You can find 1TB for around $100 or less.

The one I just had was a 1 TB My Passport external HD. It was refurbished however and it did not work properly as it kept downloading drivers. I have returned this thing. It cost me abt. $50.00.

They have proprietary software on them that gives them extra functionality that very few people use.

It is a pain but not at all unusual with a WD passbook.

As far as backups I highly recommend something like carbonite or mozy or code32

Cloud backup is really the way to go these days unless you actually do intend to try a reinstall from an image.

They don't do full backupimages well but they do insure your data is safe even in the case of a disaster at your house.

I'll look into these other types of external drives.

That WD My Passport I had was a nightmare! I got my $ back for it luckily. *whew*

Will look into some other types of external drives that you mention.

As for the cloud thing -- not sure what that is all about nor how to access it I will admit so another

Are cloud backup systems..

Basically it copies your files to secure storage in the cloud.

They are all fee based but less than the cost of an external drive. Basically you create an account with one of those companies then install their software and they do the rest . It is a set it and forget it kind of thing.

The good part about them is not only can you retrieve your files from any internet connected device but if God forbid your house burns down the files don't burn with the house as they are stored in the cloud.

Really the safest way to insure you will never lose your backups.

Would be enough for a system image backup. In this case you would need to use a new or empty thumb drive, plug it in and follow instructions.

Even though you have made the backup system DVDs, I'd still go with the flash backup as an additional option in case you need to reinstall Windows. DVDs fail more often that you'd like to think. Then at least you have an option if your need to reload Windows.

The advantage of having DVD and Flash drive backup is that the Acer's BIOS would have an option to boot and restore from USB. So for peace of mind, make the flash backup, and put it away with the DVDs until it's needed. Good luck.

I just ordered two 16 gb flash drives & I am waiting for them to arrive.

I really don't feel like buying another external HD that may or may not work w/Windows 7 Pro and Windows XP Pro at the moment.

Thanks again & I'll let ya'll know what happens in case there are others in this situation.

Seems to be a great computer for the price I must say! So far, so good!

This arrived today


Thanks again everyone!!