The number of DVDs required for a system backup will vary.
All editions of Windows 7 and most editions of Windows Vista feature built-in system backup and restore options. You may choose to backup your system on another hard disk, an external hard drive, a network drive or with DVDs. Once you create a system backup, you may use the disks to restore your computer if your operating system experiences catastrophic failure. If you run computers with Windows XP, Windows Vista Home Basic, or Windows Vista Home Premium, you must use a third-party tool to perform a full computer backup.
Instructions
1. Insert a blank DVD into your DVD burner. Label it as "Disk 1" with a soft-tipped permanent marker. Keep several blank DVDs ready to be swapped.
2. Click on "Start," then "Control Panel." Click on "Classic View" in the left column if applicable.
3. Double-click "Backup and Restore Center." Click on the "Backup the computer" button (Windows Vista) or the "System image backup" link in the left column (Windows 7).
4. Choose the DVD drive as the location where you wish to save the backup. Click "Next."
5. Select which disks you wish to include in the backup. Click on the box next to each drive to perform a full backup. Click "Next."
6. Click "Start backup." Swap discs if prompted by Windows, and label each new disc burned. Click "Close" once the backup has completed.
Tags: Windows Vista, backup Click, Click Start, editions Windows, left column, perform full
