I apologize for not finding a relevant article in the TechNet Backup Forums. I'm sure others have posted the same question as below. I purchased the Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit installation DVD. I backed it up to a blank DVD by copying files and folders, but this backup DVD does not allow Repair when inserted into the DVD drive and booted. Could someone with experience in Windows 7 please tell me how I can make a fully-working backup of my installation DVD? My old original Windows XP installation CD is scratched and unreadable after five years of use. I'd like to have an alternative after my Windows 7 DVD suffers the same fate. Thanks, Ben

The DVD must be bootable. Copying the files does not make the DVD bootable. If your computer has the capability then you should make a mirror image of the DVD. In other words make a copy of the DVD.Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Dear Rick Dee, Thank you for the lead. Are there any freeware programs with which I can create a mirror image of my Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit installation DVD ? I don't know whether Windows 7 can make mirror images of DVDs. Thanks, Ben

BenCh1424 wrote: > Dear Rick Dee, > > Thank you for the lead. Are there any freeware programs with which I can create > a mirror image of my Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit installation DVD ? I don't know > whether Windows 7 can make mirror images of DVDs. The DVD burner that comes with Windows 7 can burn image files (.ISO) to disk, but cannot copy disks to image files. There are a number of free CD/DVD burners that will do the job. One that is very popular, the one I use, is ImgBurn. http://www.imgburn.com/ The page is loaded with ads for competing burners, so be sure you get the right one! Just to be sure, I created an ISO file from my Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (upgrade) installation disk with ImgBurn and burned it to a blank DVD. No problem. The copy boots fine and shows the install/repair menu tree. I didn't try to run anything but the command box, but I'm sure it will work. I don't know how installing from a copy affects WGA. -- Crash "It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory." ~ W. Edwards Deming ~

ISO Recorder is one: http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm Be sure to get v3.1 for Win 7.Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.