Hi,

 

I updated my win 8 system to win 8.1 using the windows store update. That went well. But then my problems started:

 I wanted to make a system image backup. After quite some searching I finally discovered that it could be done via file history ->system image backup.

 Ok. I ran system image backup. That went ok, but it did not ask for a system repair disc. Again, after quite some searching, I discovered it was renamed and now I had to run "create recovery drive".

OK. I ran it, and it proposed a USB recovery drive. But this is not what I need. I need a DVD, as my computers here do NOT boot from USB, and are not old enough to be replaced (we are only a small company). Hence a bootable DVD is an absolute requirement.

Again, I searched around and apparently no DVD can be made anymore in Win 8.1. So, out of luck here.

Then, I read one could boot from installation media, and access the system image backup.

OK. How do I get installation media? Again after searching around, I discover that Microsoft does NOT provide an ISO to make an installation media unless one is in the msdn or TechNet program

So, basically I am stuck in trying to make my backup strategy work. I must say it was all much easier in win 7. As backup is essential, is there any solution you know of, that I can use?

Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

 

You don't necessarily need to use an installation media to restore the system image backup if you can boot to the login screen.

Use the Shift button + Restart at the Windows login screen (Advanced boot options)

After booting --> Troubleshoot --> Advanced options --> System Image Recovery

You can also download the Evaluation version of Windows 8.1 for creating a bootable media. This can be used for booting to the recovery environment.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh699156.aspx

• Proposed as answer by kelvin_hsuMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator 2 hours 35 minutes ago
• Marked as answer by dirks 1 hour 4 minutes ago

Try this:

Open the search charm-> type recovery -> in the settings section there will be an entry for "Recovery" -> click this -> select "create restore drive" -> click next - when this finishes in the bottom will be the option to create optical media (CD/DVD)

Ah...thank you...downloading the eval version...I never thought of doing that. That solves my problem.

Your answer is much appreciated,

Dirks