Win 8.1 running fine - but trying to prepare for recovery

[Mediaman09]

I guess my experience is the opposite ! :

- I tend to readily have original install discs. On every machine I ever bought I set up a binder, one per machine, with all the original discs, invoices, screen shots/printout of original configuration, keys, licenses, system recovery/repair disc ( and more recently the USB bootable drive for newer machines).

- I tend NOT to have original OEM drive and partitions as they have long since been replaced or revised​

And yup, many versions of backups.

It only just recently I find the need to have to purchase retail version of Windows for my machines, when all else fails, or when Microsoft changes the rules of engagement, or vendor stop including media. Not a big deal. Can always rebuild a machine one way or another. Its data the matters and that's backed up a thousand ways

 

[whs]

You sound like a very organized person. I am semi organized but I still can never find anything. LOL

 

[alphanumeric]

Have a look at this thread, http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/39197-unable-use-built-asus-recovery-partition.html it might be of interest to you.

 

[gator2013]

I have watched this thread with great interest because I find a lot in common with my own environment. Although I have a new HP Desktop preloaded 8.0 I did the update to 8.1 through the store immediately before realizing the implications and loss of reset/restore/refresh functionality. Similar to this thread I have developed some workarounds by creating a system image through file history and using Macrium for system image backups as well as creating the Macrium Rescue Disk and Windows Recovery USB so I think I could back into my current state if a serious event were to occur.

I did a good prep before the 8.1 update and have not experienced serious problems with 8.1 but I think a clean install of 8.1 would be a lot better.

Of all the things mentioned in this thread I don't recall seeing anything mentioned about using "recimg" to create CustomRefreshImages as this will return the Refresh functionality with 8.1. I was not aware of this until searching the net. My computer skills are not as advanced as many of the operations discussed in this thread and you guys are probably already up on creating your own refresh images but I just wanted to make sure. Searching the net for Custom Refresh Images will yield lots of links but here is a decent one.

How to Create a Custom Refresh Image in Windows 8

This applies to 8.1 as well

I have enjoyed the info presented here.

 

[Mediaman09]

I hadn't seen that recimg option one before. Thanks for pointing it out. It an interesting option, in that , as described : This means next time you refresh your Windows 8 PC, you can use a custom image instead of the one that shipped with your PC.". Seems like a useful thing to have ! Expecially as you cn create multiple versions.

So, using the Windows jargon:
-Refresh - mean keep current settings and refresh to a factory (8.0) or custom (recimg) image
-Restore - means restore to an earlier system restore point

Both assume of course that the pc is in working order, can boot up etc ... as district for some of the "recovery" discussion in this thread for scenario where you cannot boot.

 

[David Bailey]

This thread might be of interest:

http://www.eightforums.com/general-support/39538-cannot-boot-flash-drive.html

In case you missed it in the tutorial posted above, run this vbs script to get your ID & Product Key:

View attachment ShowKey.vbs