Windows XP rescue CD

[PCH]

Hi Guys,

does anyone know if it's possible to create a rescue cd for Windows XPMedia Centre Edition. I'm thinking I should create this now while my system is up and running rather than leave it until it falls over as I usually do :P

I want to be able to boot the PC from a cd or dvd (being the second boot device) so that I can use the system to fault find in case of system failure.

I've gone into the 'help & support' area and searched using terms like rescue cd etc, but I can't seem to find the answer I'm after. There are some hopeful looking utilities, but not for the Media centre edition.

Any ideas very gratefully received, - but plain English please. I can't understand PC nerdy-talk ;)

Cheers :thumbsup:

[bobson]

Acronis True Image

http://www.acronis.com.au/promo/choose_true_image/?source=au_google&ad=acronis&c=3074615518&k=acronis&gclid=COWAxvzyvpwCFZcwpAodgw7UmA

If you google you can find many howto's to make XP rescue boot disc's.

cheers

[PCH]

Hi Bobson,

thanks for that. However, it doesn't say anywhere there that this will help create a bootable cd, and if you click on the image it just gives ordering info.

I've looked at some of the more comprehensive finds that googling offers, and for some reason, the media centre edition of xp seems to be a problem for them. Hence my question to the forum.

But thanks for taking the time to reply. :thumbsup:

[wasyoungonce]

Nlite (http://www.nliteos.com/nlite.html)supports & does boot-able ISO's for XP media edition since version 1.2.

Nlite....love that tool many times over.

Vlite (http://www.vlite.net/about.html)is also good for Vista users.

:thumbsup:

[PCH]

Thanks WYO, - I'll look at that site right away - and report back. Thanks so much ;):thumbsup:

[dpastern]

To be honest - it's far better to have a solid backup regime, and if the operating system goes awry, you can blow it all way, reinstall and bring back your data.

You could also consider using a far more robust operating system.

Dave

[wasyoungonce]

A ghost copy of your hard drive is also a good start, but, if you install lots of updates & other software you can loose all this by reverting back to the ghost copy...but at least you have a re-starting point.

Another way is to use RyanVM updates (http://www.ryanvm.net/forum/index.php). Make your own service pack updated DVDs that also has updated packs from MS. You can also fit on other software you may need.

But again, this is not a backup of your system it just allows you to go back to a re-start point. The good thing with RyanVM is that you can add on update packs and re-make your install DVD every few months to keep it updated.

Personally. I backup software to a 2nd secure HDD that is in another computer and make updated install DVDs every 6 months or so, like the RyanVM ones. This way if it all goes south I can do a fresh install and loose only some MS updates then re-install all the other software from the other HDD.

It's not perfect but it has saved me on a few occasions.

[bobson]

Acronis allows you to make incremental updates to your backups. You can for example buy external hard drive (USB) and configure it to do the job. Or you can do it on DVD's, your choice. If something happens you can restore everything in less than an hour.

bob

[PCH]

Hi David and Bobson and WYO again,

thanks for those replies. I agree with you, and in fact have one of these external hard drive backups things (called a Buffalo) and it does look after backups automatically as you suggest. But it suddenly occured to me the other day, after I'd experienced some difficulty booting my pc, that if it wouldn't boot, then how would I get to the 'buffalo' restore facility which is on the pc?

So, unless there's a simple answer to that question, I figured I need some way of booting the pc from another source, - like the cd drive.

So that's why I was pursuing that line of attack. I have paid for and downloaded (only $50) the thing that WYO suggested, although I stil haven't sorted out what I do with the downloaded file. There are some instructions to follow which I'm working through slowly.

It doesn't help that you don't get a copy of the Windows cd with most systems these days. So if your pc goes down, you're right up the creek without a paddle so to speak.

I've often wondered about using a different OS, but to be honest, for those of us that just want to turn it on and 'it works', the idea of having to be more hands on and knowledgable with the new OS is more than a bit scary. I'm hopeless enough with Windows, let alone whatever else is out there :P

Cheers

[wasyoungonce]

Hi Paul....what cost $50? Nlite & Vlite are free and so are RyanVM's packs.

I like Nlite/Vlite/RyanVM's add on packs. They really help in making an up to date install DVD, things like slipstreaming service packs into your original install CD, adding updated drivers for your system etc.

For those who use Vlite (Vista slipstream tool)...just one thing though. I do not believe you can slipstream Vista Service pack 2 into your original install CD. Or you can but it's a very long & complicated process.

You can also download updated install CDs (ISOs) for your Operating System if you have a Microsoft Technet (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb403698.aspx)account.

But for mere mortals, we have to make our own slipstreamed & updated install CDs/DVDs.

If your data is irreplaceable ...like a Thesis or something...then you need a good backup plan & policy.

For me...slipstreamed & updated install DVDs are good enough.

Brendan

[dpastern]

Paul - I wouldn't rely on the buffalo restore software for the reasons that you mention. You could automate things with .bat files and windows scheduler, but I like to manually monitor this sort of backup process (call me old fashioned).

Other operating systems - yeah I know what you mean. Linux is solid and secure, but a mongrel to use imho. OS X is very good - easy to use etc and would be my choice for a non computer literate person.

Also, you usually do get an image of the installation CD when you buy a computer these days. Usually when you first start the computer up you get prompted to burn a copy etc. There's probably an entry somewhere in the start menu.

Dave

[bobson]

Acronis can do all you need and more, read here:

http://www.acronis.com.au/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

You can back up whole hard drive, if for some reason you can not boot, or your hard drive dies. You can buy new hard drive and restore everything on new hard drive in less than an hour.

You can boot from your back up disk or USB drive. There is no need to install OS first and than use back up. Everything is there, and its bootable.

bob

[dpastern]

I have heard very good things about Acronis.

Dave