New PC-how to format

[ayabrea38]

Having just got a new PC,pre loaded with windows 7 pro and a load of other software,I was wondering what I can do when(not if!) I have to format the hard drive as I have no disks.When I contacted the company who sold me the PC,they said that using their instructions provided,use the advanced boot options-repair your PC.I asked them for am OEM disk,they said I would not need it as the recovery files where 'hidden'on the hard drive.I then asked if I can somehow copy this to disk,as back up,they said no,and not to try!
With this very ominous answer and not having much knowledge of computers I am confused.My last PC had to be formatted a few times,and I think it will be inevitable.thats the way my luck goes.
Any advice on how I can back up the OS and the other software,this hidden file seemed to show itself on the hard drive suddenly when I did try the repair your PC option,but why are they telling me not to try.
Sorry for such a long winded question,but I am totally confused.
Thanks for any answers/advice
Aya

[KaiHallarn111]

Get an external hard drive, plug it in and then run a system backup to the hard drive. I'm not quite sure how to do that on windows 7 though.

[ayabrea38]

would a USB pen do?or would I have to get hubby to somehow connect up a drive that was an internal drive untill the PC was pulled apart(The drive was ok)
thanks

[KaiHallarn111]

You can get external hard drives which plug into your computer via a usb wire. If you want to back up your entire hard drive i would suggest an external hard drive over a pen drive due to size. If you just want to back up programs, i use a pen drive

[KaiHallarn111]

I meant to say entire computer, not hard drive :P

[tamborine]

Dell used to run a 'shadow' on their PCs; that you typed into Dos (Command Prompt on Accessories). Computers are often sold without back-up discs to keep the price down, as individual Ms Registrations wouldn't be needed.

[ChuckFickens]

"Computers are often sold without back-up discs to keep the price down, as individual Ms Registrations wouldn't be needed. "

Not quite, the only reason it keeps the price down is through the cost of the physical media (the CD or DVD), the cost of the license for windows still has to be paid.

A lot of manufacturers will have a utility on the computer that will enable you to create a set of restore disks using blank CD/DVD's but as you've not said what make of computer it's hard to advise if this would be possible for you.

[ayabrea38]

It is a Zoostorm,as sold by Misco under the home acess grant.It is the only PC they sell under this grant,all the other options where laptops.
But why would they tell me not to try and look for the back up files,let alone try to copy them?Surely it would be cheaper to issue an OEM disk on request than have to spend man hours answering my drivvel.
Thanks to all who take time/have taken time to answer
Aya

[Old_Geezer]

I dislike the practice of not supplying the disks. Bought one a few years back from a commercial auction site, wasn't really aware how to get to the system back up. Was all new to me then. When it was actually needed it turned out to be corrupt. Ought not be allowed. When you consider disk media is so cheap you often find them included in the price of a magazine, there is just no excuse for this bad practice.

[ayabrea38]

Wise words old geezer and my point exactly!
If I had known it did not come with disks,I may of asked more questions before ordering.Hindsight.Wonderful thing isn't it?

[ayabrea38]

But I am still no nearer a solution,just more confused than ever.Sigh.Sometimes I think there are more questions to a question than answers!

[techresolve_net]

get new external CD/DVD ROM from the market it is easily available and connectivity mode is USB, installation is very easy.

[ChuckFickens]

^ what has that got to do with the question?