Yes probably but you'll have to be able to boot , probably,from the flash drive. Check on ebay to see if anyone sells a backup disc, look at their feedback , and what else they sell. If they seem to be adequately informed ask them the same Q and then buy something from them. Consider buying the entire memory module from them for $12. They might have one lying around and glad to get rid of it plus the backup program you want. Other than that googl the actual model ..and look for forums other than this one. The Q. , especially for a newer computer, is a bit too high tech for what I've seen on GWeb. But don't give up. Share what you learn here and maybe you'll improve GW's people's memory and get to your answer faster. Good luck. If you're prompted for the backup why not try it out and tell us what you find out.

I am using DVD+R to reuse one I have, looking in my physical file I see I have 5 new ones that don't need to be erased. Still I wonder. I purchased these back in 2007, progress may have left them behind. The label is: DVD RW, DVD+R I should be able to read and write, hum, doesn't say erasable. The mfg is Memorex and proudly proclaims: Recordable, Enregistrable and Grabable the last two of which I have no clue to the meaning. I think I may have purchased them for use in a DVD audio/video recorder.. but that is digital too. I am pretty sure I can stick in my DVD player/recorder (not on the computer) and erase/overwrite..not sure I want to got to the trouble to check. Thanks for the link to third party DVD software. I'll look there but most likely will just use a new DVD. It lists a 4.7 GByte capacity. Does newer technology hold more? I think the Toshiba script talked about 4.7 GByte (may be the standard still) and two DVDs.

Thanks to all who responded. Had posted on the LandzDown forum for help in getting rid of the virus which had resulted in the Dell computer misdirecting links, as well as not being able to obtain Windows updates. Computer was locking up as I tried to follow the Landzdown helper's instructions. After several hours of fits and starts (and a nap!), have just posted what was requested and am now awaiting the news. Regardless of the outcome, I would still like to have the option to do a complete recovery -- just as I've always been able to do on my Compaq/HP computers. Azinoh and Genes -- I had tried those options without success, but maybe it's because of the computer brand -- don't know. Seems like it should work. Might on somebody else's computer! LOL Owbist -- Afraid your instructions were beyond my capabilites. Don't know of anyone who has another copy of Windows (but then, my friends know even less than I do...). Went to the Dell site, started choosing all of of those relevant things I'd need, and realized I wasn't sure about half of them. Was going to download them anyway and hope I'd chosen correctly, but when I tried to register and was asked for a mandatory account number (and something else I've forgotten), I chose nothing after all. Better leave that route for somebody who knows what they're doing. (Are you available?? Ha) Jane - Haven't used instant messaging in years and, frankly, didn't see that on Dell's site. If I were able to just type out and post the problem like on a regular forum, I'd be more comfortable. I may do what you suggest, though, if the virus problem gets healed. I need to know how to do a recovery! It's always been a great, though time-consuming, safety net when all else has failed. Much appreciation for all of you taking the time and thought to help.

I think it should be standard proceedure to provide you with a copy of the actual windows os cd with any pc you purchase that has that OS installed it just makes sense, you are buying the OS as part of the deal so should have full access to that OS disc should you need it and in most cases it is just not available. Having to go out and purchase a new windows OS cd is ridiculous when you already paid for the OS when you bought the pc. I wish they would change the practice, it would not be that big of a deal for the manufacturers to do that. It has long been a peeve of mine. Which is why I now prefer to have my computers built to my specifications and get the install cd with it from the builder. But that does not help me for my husbands windows 7 laptop. I have to say it is one of the redeeming factors for Dell or at least has been because they did provide the windows cd, not sure if they still do that or not on all of them. Having Acronis or imaging is beside the point I do have that the fact of not being provided something you paid for and should own is what is the problem.