Notebook Restore Disk

[boffo]

I'm thinking of getting a new notebook computer from FutureShop this week and I just have a question about restore disks.

The guy at the store recommended that I buy a restore disk from Future Shop for $99.99 in case I need to reset the computer to factory specs due to problems that might arise in the future.
He said the store would make the restore disk for me for my computer.

But, I'm just wondering, does'nt windows vista have a backup feature so that you can create your own backup restore disk?

Thanks for any info.

 

[samcan]

What kind of notebook? Most companies will send you a restore disk if requested. I have toshiba, it came with restore disk and once I had it tweaked the way I wanted it just created a ghost image of machine.
Remember if you need to use a restore disk it will format your computer.

 

[boffo]

Well, it just so happens the notebook I'm looking at picking up is a Toshiba. Are you sure all Toshiba notebooks have a restore CD?
This is the one I'm looking at:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10089656&catid=

The rep reccommended I buy a restore disk from the store for a hundred bucks.

I've used Acronis True Image 9.0 in the past for my backups; but that version doesn't work with Vista and I can't find Acronis True Image 10 in any store in Toronto area.

 

[basketcase]

My vista laptop offered to make a restore disk when I first booted it.

It might be the first time ever, I think Futureshop is trying to pull a fast one.

 

[danmand]

My vista laptop offered to make a restore disk when I first booted it.

It might be the first time ever, I think Futureshop is trying to pull a fast one.

Another one. I recently bought a Compaq from Best Buy. When I powered Vista up the first time, it asked me to make a recovery disk, but I had no blank dvd's at the time, so I said : Later.

When I finally got around to it, 3 months later, the program that creates the recovery disk crashed, and HP sent me a recovery disk without charge.

 

[ladez1st]

Well, it just so happens the notebook I'm looking at picking up is a Toshiba. Are you sure all Toshiba notebooks have a restore CD?
This is the one I'm looking at:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10089656&catid=

The rep reccommended I buy a restore disk from the store for a hundred bucks.

I've used Acronis True Image 9.0 in the past for my backups; but that version doesn't work with Vista and I can't find Acronis True Image 10 in any store in Toronto area.

I was also shopping for a Toshiba notebook at Futureshop a couple of weeks ago and they offered to sell me a restore disk too. So, I called Toshiba pre-sales support to ask about the restore disk. They said they no longer ship it with the product but that you can easily (and they recommend that you do) create your own with the supplied software.

I say save your money and do it yourself. In my opinion, unless you are completely clueless about computers (and even then...) the $100+ setup fee is a ripoff... just like the extended service plans.

 

[boffo]

Ok, thanks for all the info.
Also, stupid question but just wondering since I've never created a restore disk before: - when you create the restore disk is it better to use a dvd disk (4.7gig) or CD disk (0.7 gig) or do both work just fine. Thanks.

 

[thirdtime]

Odds are it won't fit on a CD and you'll have to use a DVD

 

[Never Compromised]

Apple ships a restore disk with all its computers.

 

[ladez1st]

Ok, thanks for all the info.
Also, stupid question but just wondering since I've never created a restore disk before: - when you create the restore disk is it better to use a dvd disk (4.7gig) or CD disk (0.7 gig) or do both work just fine. Thanks.

I haven't done this yet, but a quick look at a Toshiba product manual (current A200 model) on line says that the utility Recovery Disc Creator will accommodate both DVD and CD.

 

[boffo]

Okay, thanks for the info. I think I'll use a DVD since I'm worried I'll have to spread the recovery over 3 disks if I use CD disks.
Thanks again.

 

[Mauk]

Strange.. the Toshiba's I've seen still come with recovery discs.. 4 of them I might add so I can't image how many cds that would be and that's the A200 model some are quoting. 99 dollars for restore discs are a little pricey as Best Buy does them for 59.

 

[Horney_Senior]

99 dollars for restore discs are a little pricey as Best Buy does them for 59.

Nice price, and Best Buy owns Future Shop.

 

[toolman69]

Its a ripoff. If you go into your program menu , system programs , youcan make your own restore disk, for a few cents. If you cant figure it out, buy a 1-2 gig memory stick and back up your files onto it!

 

[ladez1st]

Strange.. the Toshiba's I've seen still come with recovery discs.. 4 of them I might add so I can't image how many cds that would be and that's the A200 model some are quoting. 99 dollars for restore discs are a little pricey as Best Buy does them for 59.

Toshiba no longer ships the restore disc with their new models. I just set up a new A200 for someone. The machine comes with a shortcut to the recovery disc utility right on the desktop. In fact, the system keeps reminding you to run the utility. It is very simple to use. You can choose from three media types: 8Gig DVD, 4Gig DVD, or CD; which respectively take 1, 2, or 11 discs to complete the burn.

Having just gone through the setup process, I can definitely say that $99 is a ripoff. On the first boot of the machine you select your language (English or French) and you sit back and let the script do the rest. All you need is patience because the process takes about 90 minutes to complete. It's pretty much autopilot with the occasional confirmation or restart required. Grab yourself a coffee, wait, and save some money.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Having just gone through the setup process, I can definitely say that $99 is a ripoff. On the first boot of the machine you select your language (English or French) and you sit back and let the script do the rest. All you need is patience because the process takes about 90 minutes to complete. It's pretty much autopilot with the occasional confirmation or restart required. Grab yourself a coffee, wait, and save some money.

Shouldn't this feature be on all PCs running Vista?
Also was told there is an free app available that cleans out all the crap that comes preloaded in new PCs, so as to 'optimize' your PC but I forgot its name.
Anyone know the name of this program?