How to quickly backup a new computer to restore it to the original settings?

MMZWHAT · Apr 20, 2023

I have a scenario where I need to repeatedly install a hardware/sofftware combo on a *completely* new laptop.

This install is "risky" and may destroy Windows. Even if it doesn't but is still buggy, once I install the 1st time, the laptop isn't "new" and consequent removals and installs leave the laptop modified.

I could use the recovery partition but in case things go so bad that I lose it, I'd like to back everything up prior to the 1st install. What is your recommendation for the simplest (hopefully free) method to achieve this?

Thank you

Ghot · Apr 20, 2023

MMZWHAT said:
I have a scenario where I need to repeatedly install a hardware/sofftware combo on a *completely* new laptop.

This install is "risky" and may destroy Windows. Even if it doesn't but is still buggy, once I install the 1st time, the laptop isn't "new" and consequent removals and installs leave the laptop modified.

I could use the recovery partition but in case things go so bad that I lose it, I'd like to back everything up prior to the 1st install. What is your recommendation for the simplest (hopefully free) method to achieve this?

Thank you

AOMEI Backupper Standard's "System Backup".
Details at bottom of this topic...

Macrium Reflect, AOMEI Backupper and Hasleo Backup Suite - GUIDES

How to use backup software... 1. When everything is working perfectly... make a full Windows backup. 2. Then, if something breaks... restore from the latest backup. 3. Then... try "whatever you were doing" a different way. If it still breaks Windows, then... go to step #2. 4. Repeat...

www.elevenforum.com

Try3 · Apr 20, 2023

I agree with Ghot.

System imaging is worthwhile and still would be even if you were not anticipating problems.
System imaging is the best insurance you can have for your installed software.

best of luck,
Denis

glasskuter · Apr 20, 2023

Macrium free is still available if one knows where to get it. Thanks to our buddy @Bree who shared it, here's the link.

https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/go?https%3A%2F%2Fdownload.macrium.com%2Freflect%2Fv8%2Fv8.0.7279%2Freflect_setup_free_x64.exe

Fabler2 · Apr 20, 2023

glasskuter said:
Macrium free is still available if one knows where to get it. Thanks to our buddy @Bree who shared it, here's the link.

https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/go?https%3A%2F%2Fdownload.macrium.com%2Freflect%2Fv8%2Fv8.0.7279%2Freflect_setup_free_x64.exe

Here's another tip, if you download the Reflect 8 Free 30-Day Trial from the site and rename the installer from ReflectDLHT.exe to ReflectDLHF.exe that will give you the free version.

Haydon · Apr 20, 2023

MMZWHAT said:
I have a scenario where I need to repeatedly install a hardware/sofftware combo on a *completely* new laptop.

This install is "risky" and may destroy Windows. Even if it doesn't but is still buggy, once I install the 1st time, the laptop isn't "new" and consequent removals and installs leave the laptop modified.

I could use the recovery partition but in case things go so bad that I lose it, I'd like to back everything up prior to the 1st install. What is your recommendation for the simplest (hopefully free) method to achieve this?

Thank you

I agree with the other suggestions that you should make an image of your new boot disk.

You could also go one step further and make a drop-in replacement for your new boot disk, either by cloning your new boot disk to identical hardware, or by restoring the image of your new boot disk to identical hardware, for example.

Try3 · Apr 21, 2023

glasskuter said:
Macrium free is still available if one knows where to get it. Thanks to our buddy @Bree who shared it, here's the link.

https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/go?https%3A%2F%2Fdownload.macrium.com%2Freflect%2Fv8%2Fv8.0.7279%2Freflect_setup_free_x64.exe

=
https://download.macrium.com/reflect/v8/v8.0.7279/reflect_setup_free_x64.exe
(tested & correct, 175MB)

Denis

NavyLCDR · Apr 21, 2023

When I get a new computer, I like to boot it from a Macrium Reflect Rescue Drive (USB flash drive). Then create an image of the internal disk which will be completely, 100% factory fresh. Then I usually play with factory loaded software for a day or two and export all the drivers using the dism /export-driver command. Then wipe it all clean and do a clean install of vanilla Windows 10/11 downloaded from Microsoft.

jimbo45 · Apr 21, 2023

NavyLCDR said:
When I get a new computer, I like to boot it from a Macrium Reflect Rescue Drive (USB flash drive). Then create an image of the internal disk which will be completely, 100% factory fresh. Then I usually play with factory loaded software for a day or two and export all the drivers using the dism /export-driver command. Then wipe it all clean and do a clean install of vanilla Windows 10/11 downloaded from Microsoft.

Done that ever since Win 95 days -- then one had to use I think it was Norton Ghost to copy the disk - but same principle -- copy the "Factory" disk so if anything not OK with the PC it can be RMA'd with initial settings so warranty not voided.

Most shop bought PC's come with an incredible amount of bloatware and even more irritatingly "Trial versions" of products. After taking image of original disk just as said install clean windows - if necessary copying any necessary proprietary drivers.

Cheers
jimbo

Steve C · Apr 23, 2023

FWIW I make frequent Reflect backup images as I configure a new PC. I just did this last week configuring a new Windows 11 PC and had to roll back to a previous state by recovering from a Reflect image since something had gone wrong with my configuration.

ibay770 · Oct 26, 2023

MMZWHAT said:
I have a scenario where I need to repeatedly install a hardware/sofftware combo on a *completely* new laptop.

This install is "risky" and may destroy Windows. Even if it doesn't but is still buggy, once I install the 1st time, the laptop isn't "new" and consequent removals and installs leave the laptop modified.

I could use the recovery partition but in case things go so bad that I lose it, I'd like to back everything up prior to the 1st install. What is your recommendation for the simplest (hopefully free) method to achieve this?

Thank you

This is exactly what a time freeze software is great for. Rollback Rx works for me and the free version is linked.

cheaterslick · Nov 10, 2023

Fabler2 said:
Here's another tip, if you download the Reflect 8 Free 30-Day Trial from the site and rename the installer from ReflectDLHT.exe to ReflectDLHF.exe that will give you the free version.

That's exactly something I need to do. Thanks!