Imaging Software

[DodgerKing]

I am looking for a good free imaging software for my OS. I just got a new Hard Drive for one of my PCs and did a fresh Windows 7 install. I want to create an image so I can periodically reinstall Windows with all my current configurations on other computers or on the same one if needed. I hate going through the day long process of installing all of the other software, doing all of the updates, ex,

 

[Ilya]

A pretty good free imaging software is now included with your OS.
"Create a system image" under Backup and Restore.

 

[DodgerKing]

A pretty good free imaging software is now included with you OS.
"Create a system image" under Backup and Restore.

Are you able to save it to a DVD or external drive?

Sent from my iPad using SatelliteGuys

 

[Ilya]

Are you able to save it to a DVD or external drive?

external drive - of course!
DVD - never tried that (my hard drives are too big, I would need too many DVDs!)

Sent from my iPhone using SatelliteGuys

 

[lparsons21]

If we're talking about what I think we're talking about, then yes it can do a DVD, but it will make quite a few of them.

 

[diogen]

Here is a good writeup
How to Create a System Image in Windows 7 - How-To Geek
Creating that boot disc is the most time saving option if needing to restore to new hard drive.

I use(d) Acronis for a long time - does a very good job.

Diogen.

 

[DodgerKing]

Thanks. I was wondering if it would be possible to copy one image to multiple computer? Do the computers have to be exactly the same build?

 

[diogen]

Win7 is much less restrictive in this respect.
The only restriction would probably be the same chipset.
An Intel system image won't work on an AMD PC type of thing...

Yes, with using sysprep you can deploy the same image on multiple PCs.
Up to 3 PCs I'd do manually, though. Nothing beats a clean install.
An install of Win7+SP1 with basic software (AV, archiver, burner, Office) from a USB takes less than an hour.

Diogen.

 

[DodgerKing]

All my builds use AMD so it should work