restore disk on multiple computers

I use the Asus 1000HE restore disk with the Asus 901 also. It gives both of my computers the same software setup with the same look and feel.

Some drivers will need to be updated. In fact, the Asus driver is not the only choice. Newer and better performing drivers from other makers can be installed when they use the same hardware used by Asus.

All the extra software such as favorite browser choice, anti-virus choice, utility choices (VLC and Picasa) can be stored on a flash drive and added too.

Just trying to stay organized. What works for you?

[ThisIsNot]

I create different DVDs for different computers. Right now, it would be impossible for me to use one DVD/thumb drive for everything. My desktop runs the 64-bit version of Windows Ultimate (that will change to Windows 7 Ultimate once it is released), one of my tablets runs the 32-bit version of Windows XP Tablet edition, another one runs the 64-bit version of Windows Vista Business (it too is a tablet), and my netbook will be running the 32-bit version of Windows XP Home (which will be upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium). There are just too many different OS's across the computers that I use.

That is why I created two dual-layer DVDs for each computer. They are two copies of the same thing just in case one of the discs gets broken. I store one copy of each backup at my desk in a hard 2 ring binder case. The other copies are stored in individual jewel cases in a fire resistant filing cabinet.

It sucks having to dig out a DVD for each system but that is about the best I can do as my older tablet has a 32-bit processor and my netbook is also a 32-bit processor.

Originally Posted by ThisIsNot

That is why I created two dual-layer DVDs for each computer.

Oops, your post took a turn that I didn't expect.

A dual layer DVD is not usually used as an install media. Do you mean you have a dual layer DVD player hooked to all your computers and you choose which OS installs? Or, do you mean you save a copy of all your install media on dual layer DVD and then make an install media (regular DVD or thumb drive) as needed?

[ThisIsNot]

No, I mean dual-layer DVD. What I do is install the OS, drivers, and FireFox. I then create a backup. The only computer that needed a dual-layer DVD is my desktop. My two tablets all fit on a single-layer DVD. The Vista powered tablet leaves about 100MB to spare while the Windows XP one leaves much more space.

So you are saying that I should not have used a dual-layer DVD? I have not had issues restoring my desktop with the dual-layer DVD I created. I reformat my desktop about once every 6 months after I backup all the data.

Originally Posted by ThisIsNot

So you are saying that I should not have used a dual-layer DVD?

I hope it is okay to jump in here since we are all sharing information. The answer about using a DL (dual layer) DVD is probably/maybe and a definite okay. It's a good idea.

At power on the hardware BIOS wakes up and checks to see what is attached (as I'm sure you know). The computer sends out a message to the DL DVD ROM that says to wake up and become a bootable device. It's practical and the desktop restores.

That is as long as whoever is doing this has a DVD burner/player that supports the technology of the DL disk. And, anyway, the drivers on it are for a specific desktop and some of the software is only for more powerful computers. No one should be using the same desktop DL disk with a bus powered DVD netbook or switching it around to whatever computer is used. That's why there is a backup for each computer.

The idea of backing up each computer with a bootable disk is a good one. What software do you use to do that?

The netbook does not have a DVD drive so it has a different set of problems. If you find yourself without a DVD drive, how do you make a restore disk and solve netbook restore issues?

Thanks for letting me jump into the thread.

[ThisIsNot]

Originally Posted by netjunkie

I hope it is okay to jump in here since we are all sharing information. The answer about using a DL (dual layer) DVD is probably/maybe and a definite okay. It's a good idea.

I didn't see any harm in using a dual-layer DVD disc. EVERY computer that I have, with an optical drive, can read dual-layer video and data DVDs. They can all burn dual-layer DVDs as well.

Originally Posted by netjunkie

The idea of backing up each computer with a bootable disk is a good one. What software do you use to do that?

I use Norton Ghost. It is a little slow but it was free through my work. I can also get a copy for $5 through the NMSU book store if I supply my student ID.

Originally Posted by netjunkie

The netbook does not have a DVD drive so it has a different set of problems. If you find yourself without a DVD drive, how do you make a restore disk and solve netbook restore issues?

Well, you can either just leave the restoration partition on the hard drive or create a backup on a USB storage device. I used an 8GB USB thumb drive to backup an Asus Eee PC 1000HE once. The netbook just has to support booting from USB devices. Luckily, I have yet to encounter a netbook that can't boot from a USB device (whether it be an optical drive or a thumb drive).

I plan on using an old 80GB USB 2.0 hard drive I have lying around to backup my HP. I will create a partition on it for the HP netbook as it only has a 16GB SSD in it. I will probably only need 2-3GB (at most) to backup my HP netbook.

Originally Posted by ThisIsNot

I didn't see any harm in using a dual-layer DVD disc. EVERY computer that I have, with an optical drive, can read dual-layer video and data DVDs. They can all burn dual-layer DVDs as well.

I was being too cautious for the broader forum readers. A DL disk is good as long as it can be read by the computer. I have a couple of players that can't read them.

Well, you can either just leave the restoration partition on the hard drive or create a backup on a USB storage device. I used an 8GB USB thumb drive to backup an Asus Eee PC 1000HE once. The netbook just has to support booting from USB devices. Luckily, I have yet to encounter a netbook that can't boot from a USB device (whether it be an optical drive or a thumb drive).

Back up is usually no problem but making a USB bootable and restore capable can be a problem. Do you want to post some links or write a summary of how to do it?

I plan on using an old 80GB USB 2.0 hard drive I have lying around to backup my HP. I will create a partition on it for the HP netbook as it only has a 16GB SSD in it. I will probably only need 2-3GB (at most) to backup my HP netbook.

Are you going to put in a larger SSD? I swapped my pci-e on the 901 and then could not find any use for the old one.

[ThisIsNot]

Originally Posted by netjunkie

Back up is usually no problem but making a USB bootable and restore capable can be a problem. Do you want to post some links or write a summary of how to do it?

Well, Norton Ghost made the thumb drive bootable. All I did was create a backup using Ghost and told it to store the backup on the thumb drive. I then plugged the thumb drive in and told the BIOS to boot from the thumb drive. Of course, the computer must support booting from USB drives.

Originally Posted by netjunkie

Are you going to put in a larger SSD? I swapped my pci-e on the 901 and then could not find any use for the old one.

No. I am going to keep the standard 16GB SSD in there. I decided to go with the 16GB SSD as I wanted a basic SSD drive just to store Windows and programs. I have a 500GB USB 2.0 (powered by a single USB connection as well) Western Digital Passport that I will use to store content on. Its coloring matches that of my netbook as well. I also plan on using a 32GB SDHC card for installing other applications when the 16GB built-in SSD runs out. Given that I have emptied the primary 16GB SSD so it has 10GB of free storage, I doubt I will be needing the 32GB SSD soon. I have one on order though.

Originally Posted by ThisIsNot

Given that I have emptied the primary 16GB SSD so it has 10GB of free storage, I doubt I will be needing the 32GB SSD soon.

How did you go about emptying the primary? What do you delete? Have you made a reduced XP load like removing languages, junk software, services before installing? Do you run without anti-virus? Do you delete the restore partition?

What is the speed of your 16GB? How do you test it?

[ericinboston]

Originally Posted by netjunkie

Back up is usually no problem but making a USB bootable and restore capable can be a problem. Do you want to post some links or write a summary of how to do it?
(

Hi...I wrote a post about backups and USB boots weeks ago in the General forum...check it out there.

-Eric