How do I create a Windows O/S Recovery Disk?
 

I am getting a new laptop soon, likely a Toshiba running Windows 7.

It comes with the O/S loaded on the computer, but does not come with it on a disk.

I'd like to have it on a disk in case I need to wipe the computer and start over.

The O/S is supposedly partitioned on the computer, and can be copied to a disk for future use.

Anyone know how that is done? Supposedly only get one shot at it!

It will prompt you during the first boot or perhaps the second... be sure to have appropriate media available.

Hmm, that seems to good to be true! Computer things rarely go smoothly for me.

Anyways, what is the appropriate media? My DVD/CD drive description is:

"Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM."

All of which means nothing to me.

I have some new blank disks, one says:

DVD+R 1-16x 4.7GB/GO

the other says

CD-R 700 MB 80 minute

Can I use one of these, or should I get something different?

Thanks!

Use the DVD+r ...

+1 DVD-R. Unless you're getting XP, a CD would be too small. Win 7 Enterprise is 2.7 GB. The instructions that come with the laptop should cover how to boot to the recovery partition and use it to reload your OS. It generally involves pressing a function key right after the start-up routine and before the OS label appears. You may not necessarily need a disk but it's a good backup should you lose the entire drive.