Recovery Disk for Vista

[Marriedin79]

I need to do a recovery because of some strange issues happening with the puter, and I know that there are many of you who could definitely answer this with the correct answer.

I didn't create my recovery disk until I had the computer for almost a year. By then, I had added a number of programs. Everything I read about recovery disks indicates that the computer will be restored to the original settings. That assumes, however, that the recovery disk was created upon first obtaining the computer.

Will my disks recover the computer to the original factory settings, or will they also contain all of the programs that were on the computer when I created the disks?

Thank you for your responses!

[JenniferG]

The recovery disks will restor to factory, without the additional programs, if I am not mistaken. I spoke with my manufacturer when I purchased my laptop with vista home premium installed. The reason why they say to create the disks when you first get it, is so that you're covered from the get-go. I still haven't created mine because every time i put a blank dvd in, the computer recovery program tells me the disk is not emtpy and that I should insert a blank disk (I tried this with 3 of my blank dvd discs). Your additional programs will need to be reinstalled, but you can call your manufactorer to double check.

[carlalee]

Don't forget to "deactivate" your PS if that's what you use before you reload. ;) -c-

[Marriedin79]

What do you mean by "deactivate"? I've already done the restore, etc. I will have to take the time in the next day or two to get all of my programs reloaded. I don't want to use the backup that I created on the EHD just in case that might be what was causing my troubles.

[carlalee]

Hi Married - I couldn't remember if you used Photoshop CS 2 or 3. I have CS2 and had a few problems with my laptop that have caused me to need to reload the OS and all of my software. After the 2nd time or so, I learned from a thread here about deactivating Photoshop. Apparently at some point Adobe did something to it's high end software that only allows you a limited amount of installs per copy. I really don't know how many times it allows but I've heard once you pass that amount it won't allow you to install it on another machine with out a call to Adobe. I'm sure you're fine, just a little something to put away for next time (fingers & toes crossed there won't be a next time). Have fun with the rebuild. ;-) -c-

[Marriedin79]

Thanks ... I just have PSE 3, 4, 5 and 6. I think I will only install 5 and 6 this time round.