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I have a Windows XP box, but not its installer. Is there a tool I can use to backup only the OS and MBR, and not my documents/settings/programs? I'd like to be able to recover the OS from a hard-drive explosion or similar physical damage, I already have my docs backed up, and I don't have too much storage space to spare.

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Autofire, AutoClick, Toggle, Spam • Window Control Tools
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System updates and service packs add a lot of size. On Windows 7 it makes the difference between a DVD back-up and a 5 DVD back-up. That's why it's recommended as the first thing you do.

You could also download another copy and burn that to a disk.

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That would be more than a little illegal...

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I'm not a lawyer, but if you have a license to install and use Windows XP, and it was for the same computer you're installing on... I think it's fine.

If it's somehow different than making your own image, then ignore me.

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XP requires a license key, so the download would need either a new license key (why not just buy XP as a cd ) or it would need tto be a cracked version (illegal). The thing is, that every WinXP download on the internet violates the ToS.

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Autofire, AutoClick, Toggle, Spam • Window Control Tools
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I only have moderate experience and may be mistaken, but if your computer has the sticker with the license number on it then you should be able to use that number with any XP install disk (of the correct version, ie Home or Pro). I have used my Dell XP disk to install on a Hewlett Packard before, with no trouble.

I am of the impression that when you purchase a retail computer with Windows on it (XP anyway) the license is associated with the machine itself and not the reinstall disks which may have come with it. If you can borrow a reinstall disk of the right type from someone it should work on your machine, provided you still have the license sticker on the outside, and it should be entirely legal. Be aware that you will have to go find some of your drivers online. Probably your sound, video and your network adapter, especially if it is integrated.

Alternately you could try one of the free disk imaging apps available. I have never used one but some people swear by them. If you do try one, I suggest you practice using it on a spare hard drive or computer. You should try to be reasonably comfortable with any solution before you actually need to use it.

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"My dear Mr Gyrth, I am never more serious than when I am joking."
~Albert Campion
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I make regular partition images from a 37Gb drive ,the used space on the drive is 12Gb and the compressed image file is 5Gb.

There is a free version from Esaeus (i use it ) and it is one of the best i have seen .

http://www.todo-backup.com/products/hom ... ftware.htm

Sounds good! How would I image the HDD from a backup from removable media? Perhaps a live Linux? Have you ever needed to restore the image?

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Autofire, AutoClick, Toggle, Spam • Window Control Tools
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Hi nimda

I restore it almost every week.If i have tested some programs are messed around with software i just use " restore" to get back to a clean system.It takes 8 minutes .You can create a bootsystem using the software from DVD to USBstick or network.

I really wonder what you're doing with your system that you need to restore it this often. I haven't needed to reinstall my windows for years and it's perfectly clean (even without antivirus).

Perhaps a software who cost 10 000$ who can be used only 5 time before paid version limitation... or something malicious...

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"You annoy me, therefore I exist."

Interesting! I have looked at imaging software before but none of the free options looked good enough to try. I will have to check this out.

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"My dear Mr Gyrth, I am never more serious than when I am joking."
~Albert Campion
My personal site

Wow, thanks for the help! The reason that I ask is that I've been messing around with my XP box and I'll probably corrupt the MBR beyond repair or something eventually... I'll make an image tomorrow.

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Autofire, AutoClick, Toggle, Spam • Window Control Tools
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I try out a lot of software that i find in downloadsites and it is much easier to restore than to delete.The operating system is not damaged so you can start the restore from within windows even if you restore the system partition ,it will auto reboot in linux to start the restore process.The image is on a different partition so it is quick only 8min to go and have a coffee.

It gives peace of mind knowing that nothing is left from the installed try_outs even if the software installed some rootkit or backdoor.

Originally i started using it after one of those windows monthly upgrades that failed and i had to reinstall windows.

If it was a 10000$ software i would let the compagnie pay for it .

This is not what you asked for, but am throwing it in.
http://www.winxptutor.com/regback.htm
It works great.
In conjuctin with an ordinary backup file program, then use "Double Driver", a handy driver backup.