How do i make restore cds for my dell 2400?

[f-zer0]

Hi i wanna make some restore cds for my computer and i have never done it before it's a computer i recently got from ebay and reason i HAD to buy it was because my old gateway didn't work cuz of a virus,Now i don't wanna get another virus and have to buy a whole new computer again,i ended up finding my recovery cd for my gateway and it recovered it to like brand new i even had to go through the setup again,can i do this with the dell?or will the cds made restore up to what i have on my computer NOW?like programs i added,music,or EVEN VIRUSES if i had them? I want the cds to completely remove it all just like the gateway and put my windows xp pro right back on like the gateway disk, An also the gateway disk boots right up an walks me through the process when i insert the disk an restart,will this be the same,thanks

[Dv8ted2]

The newer computers often have a utility that helps you build restore discs. Unfortunately, you will need to look around in the start menu in the programs area to see what you find.

[Poppa_Meth]

You could also invest in a good backup setup. At the very least think about buying a copy of Acronis True Image or a similar product that can make a full system image. Periodically burn an image off to DVD and you can use it to restore your system to it's exact state at the last backup. You can go a step further too and get a good external hard drive to make weekly or monthly backups to. Then you can restore your system with a minimal loss of data.

[Dv8ted2]

You could also invest in a good backup setup. At the very least think about buying a copy of Acronis True Image or a similar product that can make a full system image. Periodically burn an image off to DVD and you can use it to restore your system to it's exact state at the last backup. You can go a step further too and get a good external hard drive to make weekly or monthly backups to. Then you can restore your system with a minimal loss of data.

That is a good option. I was actually going to recommend Ghost, but Acronis True Image will accomplish the same thing.

[Bjs]

You can now do this using insert rescue cd which includes gparted + partition image

http://lifehacker.com/software/geek-to-live/partition-and-image-your-hard-drive-with-t...-cd-292972.php = guide

[lordsmurf]

I prefer Paragon Drive Backup to create restore/backup discs.

[TBoneit]

As far as I know the Dell Dimension 2400 which I'm guessing is the model you mean? Is an older model that shipped with a Dell OS install Disc, a Drivers disc, a burner software disc if so equipped, a modem driver disc, and DVD playing software if DVD drive equipped. Depending on options it also could have come with Microsoft works or works with Word of MS Office.

However one thing I never saw it come with was a way to make recovery discs.

[f-zer0]

Tbone,i can give you my service tag an you can go on the site an tell me what you think,I also have the discs that it came with and the guy i bought it from said that it was ALL the cds but you never can tell if thats true or not when you didn't open the box yourself ya know?and he also sent me a burned disc that said on it in black BAD HANDWRITING LOL,"dell drivers or something like that,Do you know exactly what the cds should be called to restore it to factory if i named all the cds or and the burned one with drivers?or are not that familiar with this system?i wish i had that F11 button or something at startup where it restores it to factory,thats easy :S

[BabyGonzo]

That dell doesn't have the partition to restore to factory , you an do a clean install using the disc he gave you the 2 most important will be Operating System and the Dell Drivers Disc ... using those 2 disc is all you really need seeing as all other software can just be downloaded from websites ....