New installation questions

[AlwaysTrying]

I have tried googling but it's all minefield for me. I have had my laptop wiped and reinstalled with Windows 10 (previously win 7), do I need to create a recovery partition? Boot disk? Or just system imagine recovery? It's a 2nd hand laptop that I never created any recovery disks for.

It's a compaq presario C56 64 bit. With OEM product key on bottom of machine.

I've got blank CD-R disks and 32GB flash drive to hand.

Thanks

[Geek-9pm]

Funny you shouldask. I am trying to do it right now and it is very, very slow.
Here is the most consise article from Microsft about "How to make recovery disk for Windows 10."
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/instantanswers/3a747883-b706-43a5-a286-9e98f886d490/create-a-recovery-drive

However, tahtseems to be over simplified.  Here is a tutorial wiht more detail.
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4200-create-recovery-drive-windows-10-a.html

Let us knowif that helps. 

[Computer_Commando]

Macrium Reflect Free is a better solution for image backups.

[Geek-9pm]

Computer_Commando,
I believe you!
I spent two hours trying to make a recovery in Windows 10 and I have no idea if it is any good.
But Macrium Reflect does the job very well!
Here is a link:
https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree
For home use it is free.

[AlwaysTrying]

Thanks Geek and Computer_commando,

I done the recovery partition following geeks 2nd link before I see next reply.  It seems to have worked and it's on flash drive, did leave it working overnight.

My next question is, can I make system imagine copy and put that on same USB drive (32MB).

Also do I need to change BIOS set up as it doesn't have any boot option set.

Then should I ever need to reinstall my laptop I can just use flash drive.

Sorry for all questions, as you can tell I am clueless.

[Geek-9pm]

If you use Macrium Reflect, it is all in only package. They have very good documentation and it is a completee backup solution.An yes, you have to lket theBIOS know you want to oot a USB or CD /DVD device. They tell you tghat in the documentaion.

Now aout the Windows Recovery method. It is a DY project with sparse documentaion. You have to look around to get the fill picture of how it works.
1. You have to make a recovery device with your system image on it.
2. You may have to start the recovery from the start screen
- OR -
3. You have to have the Windows install DVD or USB to stgart the recovery precess.

As I metioned, I have uet to get the Windows backup/recovery to work for me.

Biut the Macrium Reflect almos talwasy works. Plus it lets you moust and do a  "sneak peek" into a image file tosee if thereis a file you need in there. I have been able to pull out a single file without the need to do actaujlly the whle restore.

I don't knopw it the windows recovery allowsou to slect a singole file to recovery. I doubt it.