Some basic OS backup questions...

I have never reformatted a HD before, although I know how to go about doing it, however, during the summer I purchased a Asus G2S-A1 laptop, and I am planning to reformat sometime in the near future...

I have a problem though, I just realized that my computer DID NOT come with the recovery disc for the OS, read this carefully, I have seen pictures of my computer being included with 3 discs, I have 2, so FOR SURE I am missing the OS recovery, there is no obvious partition on the HD with the OS on it such as on some HP computers. I called up ASUS tech support and they said it would be extremely difficult and that I would be better off using some 3rd party software and ghosting...

However, the only reason why I want to reformat is so my computer looks completely clean as if I was starting fresh, I don't want to ghost everything I have on it atm, so my question is:

What kind of software will allow me to backup the OS alone (Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit), however I believe there MIGHT be a hidden partition on my laptop, although I am new at this so how would i check (this laptop comes with 1 HD with 2 partitions on it already, 160 GB total, C:\ is 86 gb, D:\ is 57 gb.).

As well another seperate question is, when backing up the registry with a ccleaner, what do I actually do with the .reg file if say I wanted to restore it.

Thanks for helping out a noob

 

What did they say when you told them you were missing a disc.

 

They said it was unlikely, however, if it was true getting os recovery cd's from the manufacturer is extremely difficult because I would have to go through a long process to have to get it... assuming they would even let me. So basically they told me it is much easier to to it with a 3rd party program.

As well, I forgot to ask, is it possible to load up windows vista home premium using a vista business cd and just entering in the product key and it would switch over?

 

Can anyone help me plz? If I installed Windows Vista Business would I be able to enter in a Home Premium key and would it then be hp?

 

No. It wont work.

 

Umm, you realize that even with the recovery disc.....you won't be able to format.

 

I've never been a fan of ASUS support

Get an Anytime Upgrade DVD and do a clean install. You should be able to use Orev's ABR utility or try the key on the bottom of your laptop.

Even if neither of these work, just call MS and tell them you just re-installed your OS and it won't activate. They don't need to know you didn't use a recovery DVD.

Now with that said, an imaging program (Acronis True Image or Ghost) is invaluable. You should definitely consider getting a copy.