TR Community tip: Create and use a Windows 7 system repair disc

Follow these steps to create a Windows 7 system repair disc:

1. Press [Windows] + R
2. Type control in the Run dialog box
3. Click Enter
4. Open Backup and Restore
5. In the left pane, click Create a system recovery disc (you may be prompted to enter an administrator password or confirmation)
6. Select a CD/DVD drive, insert a blank disc into the drive, and click Create disc

Note: Insert the Windows 7 installation disc if your computer isn't able to find the files needed to create the system repair disc.

Here's how to use the system repair disc:

1. Insert the system repair disc into your CD or DVD drive
2. Restart your computer using the computer's power button
3. At the prompt, press any key to start the computer from the system repair disc
4. If your system isn't configured to start from a CD or DVD, check the information that came with your computer. You may need to change your computer's BIOS settings.
5. Choose your language settings, and then click Next.
6. Select a recovery option, and then click Next.

Print these instructions and keep them in a safe location with your system repair disc.

If you have other tips for repairing or restoring your Windows 7 systems, please share them in the discussion thread.

Send in your own TR Community tip that we can feature in the TR Out Loud blog to trol@techrepublic.com.