I cannot access automatic restore points (I think they're created)

dalchina said:

Even simply backing up your data means you need external storage. Question is- how much time are you prepared to waste next time your PC is unbootable/your hard disk fails/ you have some technical problem you can't solve?

It's as simple as whether I have the money available. I guess the program can save an image to a DVD. I can buy a blank DVD. That's about all I can do.

I went for years with my computer way too slow because I couldn't afford the new one I now have. It's a matter of having the cash or not.

I don't want to be without external backup. While I believe hard disk failures could be much less common if people would avoid turning off their computer and sending the shock through the hard disk each time it starts, I also realize the risk always is there no matter what.

Right now, I can through System Restore (and the program you recommended will be making its own system-area backups) recover from a software error within the system, but I'm in very deep crap if my hard drive dies. I don't want it to be that way, and when it's financially possible I'll look for a way to solve it, but outside of getting a blank DVD as an external image device there's nothing more I can afford to protect myself. I'm not saying that's a good thing; it's just the reality.

NotATenFan said:

It's as simple as whether I have the money available. I guess the program can save an image to a DVD. I can buy a blank DVD. That's about all I can do.

I went for years with my computer way too slow because I couldn't afford the new one I now have. It's a matter of having the cash or not.

I don't want to be without external backup. While I believe hard disk failures could be much less common if people would avoid turning off their computer and sending the shock through the hard disk each time it starts, I also realize the risk always is there no matter what. NOT TRUE - There is no historic results or proof that turning off a PC will effect its life Spam !

Right now, I can through System Restore (and the program you recommended will be making its own system-area backups) recover from a software error within the system, but I'm in very deep crap if my hard drive dies. I don't want it to be that way, and when it's financially possible I'll look for a way to solve it, but outside of getting a blank DVD as an external image device there's nothing more I can afford to protect myself. I'm not saying that's a good thing; it's just the reality.
Without a solid recovery plan, you have no recovery.

System Restore gets you out of the small problems of restarting you PC before the event that caused it to malfunction. Only a clearly defined backup/recovery plan that is executed will allow you to recover your PC from any DISASTER !