Backup - Restore - Recovery in Windows 7 - The focus of this article is on the tools included in Windows 7 to backup your system and data and facilitate restoration or recovery when a problem occurs.

Backup - Disable Backing Up Data Files - Enabling this registry edit prevents users from using Backup and Restore to backup data files.

Backup - Disable Backing Up to Local Disks - Prevents users from selecting an internal or external local disk as a backup location.

Backup - Disable Backing Up to Network Location - Prevents users from selecting a network location as a backup location.

Backup - Disable Backing Up to Optical Drive - This will prevent users from selecting an optical drive (CD/DVD) as the backup location in Backup and Restore.

Backup - Disable Restore Files User Interface - This registry entry disables the ability of users to restore files in the Backup and Restore program by disabling the restore user interface. It's important to note this has nothing to do with System Restore.

Backup - Disable System Image Backup User Interface - When enabled, users cannot create system images via the user interface in Windows 7 Backup and Restore.

BIOS - Set BIOS to Boot from CD/DVD Drive

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System Services Guide
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Testing Operating Systems On A Primary System

Here's a method I use for testing operating systems and other software on a primary system without impacting the current primary operating system.

System Mechanic® - Fix and Speed Up Your PC...

Set BIOS to Boot from CD/DVD Drive

For those who aren't familiar with the steps involved, here's a generic guide to the procedures.

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No Drive or Partition Available in VMware XP to Win 7 Install

This tutorial explains how to correct the issue and allow the Windows 7 installation to proceed.

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- Important Information -
The Elder Geek sites contain many articles and suggestions for modifying the Windows operating system. I've tried these tweaks and tips on many systems. Sometimes they work, sometimes not. The point is, ensure you have a current, tested backup of all system and data files and understand how to restore the system in case something goes very wrong. You can still yell at me, but I assume no responsibility for your actions and use of the information and disclaim any legal responsibility for any consequences of such actions.

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