How To Guide: Create a Windows Vista Recovery Disk
One of the coolest new features of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is the ability to create a Windows Vista Recovery Disk which allows you to run the most basic feature set of Windows Vista that can be used to correct problems and errors.
Below is the screenshot for the Windows Vista Recovery Disk taken from istartedsomething.

This is different from the Windows System Restore which is usually given by computer manufacturers because it restores Windows Vista to factory settings.
To be able to create a Windows Vista Recovery Disk click on the Start menu, All programs, Maintenance, and Create a Recovery Disc.













Cathy Kiser said,
November 14, 2007 @ 10:53 am
Review by Cathy Kiser, November 14, 2007
This page says to “create a Windows Vista Recovery Disc click on the Start menu, All programs, Maintenance, and Create a Recovery Disc.” On my Windows Vista, I get as far as maintenance and there is no “create a recovery disc”.
What do I do?
This page says to “create a Windows Vista Recovery Disc click on the Start menu, All programs, Maintenance, and Create a Recovery Disc.” On my Windows Vista, I get as far as maintenance and there is no “create a recovery disc”.
What do I do?
Justine said,
November 20, 2007 @ 3:05 pm
Review by Justine, November 20, 2007
I have the same problem as the one you have listed. I think this is due to the windows version. I use Windows Vista Business.
I have the same problem as the one you have listed. I think this is due to the windows version. I use Windows Vista Business.
Charles said,
December 5, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
Review by Charles, December 5, 2007
The reason yo cant find it is because they have not released SP1 yet its till in beta
The reason yo cant find it is because they have not released SP1 yet its till in beta
Jeff said,
December 14, 2007 @ 1:01 am
Review by Jeff, December 14, 2007
I use the home premium version which does allow you to create the recovery disc, but they only allow you to do it once, if you started the process and stop it mid stream the process gets placed in a file and the link to “create a recovery disc” disappears as did happen with me when I tried to use a DVDrw. Windows would not accept this type of disc (for my own protection, because it could be “accidentally” overwritten) and I was forced to suspend the process until I could obtain DVDr discs. Now that I have the “proper” disc, I can’t find the *$%& file that the process was placed in to continue. This may shed light on some of your problems, if someone could shed light on my problem and tell me where that file is, I would be happy.
Regards Ya’ll
I use the home premium version which does allow you to create the recovery disc, but they only allow you to do it once, if you started the process and stop it mid stream the process gets placed in a file and the link to “create a recovery disc” disappears as did happen with me when I tried to use a DVDrw. Windows would not accept this type of disc (for my own protection, because it could be “accidentally” overwritten) and I was forced to suspend the process until I could obtain DVDr discs. Now that I have the “proper” disc, I can’t find the *$%& file that the process was placed in to continue. This may shed light on some of your problems, if someone could shed light on my problem and tell me where that file is, I would be happy.
Regards Ya’ll
Esmail Baroomand said,
January 5, 2008 @ 3:11 am
Review by Esmail Baroomand, January 5, 2008
please direct me how to create recovery cd for windows vista. i can not find create recovery cd option in start menu-all programs-maintenance. please explain why i can not find it.
please direct me how to create recovery cd for windows vista. i can not find create recovery cd option in start menu-all programs-maintenance. please explain why i can not find it.
Emily Castillo said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:35 pm
Review by Emily Castillo, January 17, 2008
I need help on creating Windows Vista Recovery Disk. In the maintenance menu the only thing is “Backup & Restore Center” there is nothing about recovery disk.
I need help on creating Windows Vista Recovery Disk. In the maintenance menu the only thing is “Backup & Restore Center” there is nothing about recovery disk.
rockstar said,
February 2, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
Review by rockstar, February 2, 2008
Same problem..but i got my system in german language ..very hectic to translate and do the things ..still its a big failure ..can any one suggest with images..
Same problem..but i got my system in german language ..very hectic to translate and do the things ..still its a big failure ..can any one suggest with images..
jay said,
February 28, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
Review by jay, February 28, 2008
I need help to run 2 operating sytems on my computer I currenly have Vista but I wand to install windows XP also cam you help on how to do this Thanks
I need help to run 2 operating sytems on my computer I currenly have Vista but I wand to install windows XP also cam you help on how to do this Thanks
DK said,
March 3, 2008 @ 11:47 pm
Review by DK, March 3, 2008
Start
All Programs
Maintenance
Help & Support
Recover Factory Settings
Create Recovery Disks
Start
All Programs
Maintenance
Help & Support
Recover Factory Settings
Create Recovery Disks
Alice said,
March 15, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
Review by Alice, March 15, 2008
“Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore is not included with Windows Vista Home Basic or Windows Vista Home Premium.
”
“Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore is not included with Windows Vista Home Basic or Windows Vista Home Premium.
”
Gary said,
March 21, 2008 @ 12:36 am
Review by Gary, March 21, 2008
The file in question is recdisc.exe….....It does not work.
I am running the final version of SP1, Vista Premium, and there is NO “Create Recovery Disk” shortcut.
The file in question is recdisc.exe….....It does not work.
I am running the final version of SP1, Vista Premium, and there is NO “Create Recovery Disk” shortcut.
Jason said,
March 31, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
Review by Jason, March 31, 2008
Same ting here, i updated to SP1 and the “Create Recovery Disk” option isn’t in the start menu/maintenance.
I try to run recdisk.exe and it doesn’t open anything.
Anyone know how to create a recovery disk yet?
Same ting here, i updated to SP1 and the “Create Recovery Disk” option isn’t in the start menu/maintenance.
I try to run recdisk.exe and it doesn’t open anything.
Anyone know how to create a recovery disk yet?
Fercin said,
April 1, 2008 @ 10:32 pm
Review by Fercin, April 1, 2008
You can find the option recovery disk in all programs>>Recovery Manager and Create a Recovery Disk good luck
You can find the option recovery disk in all programs>>Recovery Manager and Create a Recovery Disk good luck
Steve said,
April 8, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
Review by Steve, April 8, 2008
Ferci, the Recovery manager /Create a recovery disk can be found, but as Jason said, the recdisc.exe doesn’t work. It goes it a loop, where after telling you how many disks to use, it doesn’t activate the “next” button, therefore gives only option of “cancel” or “go back” and the loop statrs again.
Any suggestions?
Ferci, the Recovery manager /Create a recovery disk can be found, but as Jason said, the recdisc.exe doesn’t work. It goes it a loop, where after telling you how many disks to use, it doesn’t activate the “next” button, therefore gives only option of “cancel” or “go back” and the loop statrs again.
Any suggestions?
yon said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
Review by yon, April 18, 2008
hi, i am having the same problem of creating a windows recovery cd. can anyone help? i dont have the create recovery disk option in my menu. btw i’m using vista home basic.
help is very much appreciated. thank u guys
hi, i am having the same problem of creating a windows recovery cd. can anyone help? i dont have the create recovery disk option in my menu. btw i’m using vista home basic.
help is very much appreciated. thank u guys
Deepak said,
April 25, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Review by Deepak, April 25, 2008
hi, i just got my new HP laptop. i found this link which has screenshots on how to create recov discs. i havent tried this yet.. hope this helps..
http://www.wikihow.com/Create-Recovery-Discs-for-Windows-Vista-in-HP-Recovery-Manager
hi, i just got my new HP laptop. i found this link which has screenshots on how to create recov discs. i havent tried this yet.. hope this helps..
http://www.wikihow.com/Create-Recovery-Discs-for-Windows-Vista-in-HP-Recovery-Manager
seth said,
April 28, 2008 @ 9:49 pm
Review by seth, April 28, 2008
well, it is there, just search for recovery disc and voila.
if the options stay blank, insert a cdr of dvdr, DVDRW dont work, but they wont tell you untill after.
My problem now is how to freakin install my vista on my new much faster HDD.
The Helpdesk said “just boot from the disk and everything will be clear”
Ya right, nowhere do they ask “install windows” just “recover to preset bla-dee-bla”.
I just want to re install that stupid dumb VISTA, anybody help me out?
well, it is there, just search for recovery disc and voila.
if the options stay blank, insert a cdr of dvdr, DVDRW dont work, but they wont tell you untill after.
My problem now is how to freakin install my vista on my new much faster HDD.
The Helpdesk said “just boot from the disk and everything will be clear”
Ya right, nowhere do they ask “install windows” just “recover to preset bla-dee-bla”.
I just want to re install that stupid dumb VISTA, anybody help me out?
seth said,
April 28, 2008 @ 9:50 pm
Review by seth, April 28, 2008
well, it is there, just search for recovery disc and voila.
if the options stay blank, insert a cdr of dvdr, DVDRW dont work, but they wont tell you untill after.
My problem now is how to freakin install my vista on my new much faster HDD.
The Helpdesk said just boot from the disk and everything will be clear.
Ya right, nowhere do they ask install windows just recover to preset bla-dee-bla.
I just want to re install that stupid dumb VISTA, anybody help me out?
well, it is there, just search for recovery disc and voila.
if the options stay blank, insert a cdr of dvdr, DVDRW dont work, but they wont tell you untill after.
My problem now is how to freakin install my vista on my new much faster HDD.
The Helpdesk said just boot from the disk and everything will be clear.
Ya right, nowhere do they ask install windows just recover to preset bla-dee-bla.
I just want to re install that stupid dumb VISTA, anybody help me out?
Dean said,
August 16, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
Review by Dean, August 16, 2008
Mate, Its only a recovery disc,
not a full windows installation disc, you wont be able to install to a fresh harddrive by it.
Mate, Its only a recovery disc,
not a full windows installation disc, you wont be able to install to a fresh harddrive by it.
Peter said,
September 27, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
Review by Peter, September 27, 2008
DEAN
!
“Mate, Its only a recovery disc” is not an answer! But a fustration.
We all know you install the operating in this case VISTA which at the moment is
because you never get the correct hardware drivers everytime in order for the computer to function efficiently.
Apart from “BACKUP” at scheduled times one would feel at least temporaroly happy knowing in an event of a CRASH (God forbid). Taadaa a “Recovery Disk” would minimise the 4 hour install operating sys, hardware update, application executables software blahblahblah.
The question should be, Can VISTA “create a recovery disk”? It is important! If not I am going back to XP Pro which can “CREATE RECOVERY DISK”.
DEAN
!
“Mate, Its only a recovery disc” is not an answer! But a fustration.
We all know you install the operating in this case VISTA which at the moment is
because you never get the correct hardware drivers everytime in order for the computer to function efficiently.
Apart from “BACKUP” at scheduled times one would feel at least temporaroly happy knowing in an event of a CRASH (God forbid). Taadaa a “Recovery Disk” would minimise the 4 hour install operating sys, hardware update, application executables software blahblahblah.
The question should be, Can VISTA “create a recovery disk”? It is important! If not I am going back to XP Pro which can “CREATE RECOVERY DISK”.
Chatchalee Anderson said,
October 2, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Review by Chatchalee Anderson, October 2, 2008
Hi
I am so fed up with window vista, since i update it to service pack 1 I have had problem with it ever since. i am only a novice when it comes to dealing with computer and plus i am a woman and english is not my first languge. Everytime I phone technition support i got through a call centre somewhere from Idia. I have notthing against them but I found it hard to communicate because of langauge barrier. Any body has the problem that you computer became freezable and had to turn it off and restart again. Tried system restore in safe mode and only solved temporaly. After you turn the computer of and then turn it on i faced the same problem. Any suggestion.
Hi
I am so fed up with window vista, since i update it to service pack 1 I have had problem with it ever since. i am only a novice when it comes to dealing with computer and plus i am a woman and english is not my first languge. Everytime I phone technition support i got through a call centre somewhere from Idia. I have notthing against them but I found it hard to communicate because of langauge barrier. Any body has the problem that you computer became freezable and had to turn it off and restart again. Tried system restore in safe mode and only solved temporaly. After you turn the computer of and then turn it on i faced the same problem. Any suggestion.
John Adamson said,
October 6, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
Review by John Adamson, October 6, 2008
VISTA sucks…
Just had to say that…
Go back to DOS 5.1, at least that worked….
Since most of WinBloz is DOS anyways..
Have a nice day, John
VISTA sucks…
Just had to say that…
Go back to DOS 5.1, at least that worked….
Since most of WinBloz is DOS anyways..
Have a nice day, John