Imaging Process: PC

There are many good options when it comes to choosing which program will handle your imaging process; for this guide I will be using the native Windows Imaging tool that can be found in Backup and Restore. You will not be able to image to the same drive that you are copying so an external drive is the best option for storing the image.

Creating the Image

  1. Plug your external drive in and give the computer enough time to recognize it.
  2. Launch Backup and Restore.
  3. On the left of the screen, click "Create a system image".
  4. Select "On a hard disk" and select the appropriate disk and hit next.
  5. Verify that the correct drive is being imaged. (It is usually named C: and is labeled as System.)
  6. Click "Start Backup"
Restoring the Image

  1. Connect your external drive.
  2. Insert a system recovery disc into the machine and restart. Be sure to have the machine boot from the disc.
  3. Chose "Restore your computer using a system image that you created earlier."
  4. Select the correct image and follow the remaining instructions.
  5. Reboot.

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