How to Build a Computer Image
When you perform a backup of your computer system, you are taking a digital snapshot of all programs and files on your hard drive. Building a computer image has more advantages than creating backup files, because this eliminates the need to reinstall programs. Once you have captured the image, it is then saved on a data disc or a separate network drive.
- Navigate to the Control Panel on your computer. For example, if Microsoft Windows is your operating system, click “Start” and then “Control Panel.” Go to the “System and Maintenance” program option and click the icon to open. Select “Backup and Restore” to take a look at the list of backup options that are available on this operating system.
- Select the option that says “Create an Image Backup,” in order to launch the computer image wizard. Follow the prompts this wizard provides you with and build an image of your computer’s hard drive.
- Choose the location where you want to save the image. This can be a network drive, a hard drive or a data (DVD) disc. If you choose the DVD disc, you must first insert the disc into your computer, before selecting this option and then click “Next.”
- Select the drive that you want to back up. If your main goal is to backup the main system drive, choose the “C” drive. Once you have made your choice, click “Next.”
- Review the options and settings and create the computer image, by clicking on “Start Backup.” You will be notified when the process is complete. It may take several minutes, depending on the amount of information you have on your computer.