I don't know. To be very clear- how would I copy the Windows kernel?

win 7 os uses around 15GB so pendrive will not take the system and data. It may take the data. Check the size of this and transfer this to the memory stick/pendrive.
I recommend using a live disk like partedmagic which will read windoze 7 file systems, you will need to download it and burn it to a cd/dvd then boot via that medium.
You can use partedmagic to clone the original hardrive as well but you will need to send it to a hardrive (external if on a laptop) that is at least as big as the original.
Making an iso of your setup will need imaging tools like norton ghost or G4L.

Fred.

To clarify: Without taking a full disk copy, there isn't really an effective way to back up the Windows OS.

In Windows 7, go to the search bar in the Start menu and search for "recovery." I may be wrong, but I think there might be an option to make a recovery CD/DVD. That's the closest that you will probably be able to get to backing up the Windows OS itself.

You can always boot to any windows dvd (or usb) like windows 7 or 8 or 10 and use repair tools.

You can network off data to some lan computer too.

A 1Tb portable usb is like $49 or less I'd think.

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Will do that as soon as I can boot Windows again.

I don't have a Windows DVD; I have a used laptop. No recovery disc.

I'm running Win. now. Tomorrow is soon enough to tackle Ubuntu.

to add to the fray

backing up the MS windows Operating system -- NO

if it fubars ( as is normal) then just reinstall it , there is a very good chance it will work EVEN BETTER than before .


now your DATA on windows -- YES !!!

ubuntu will mount the windows partitions
just keep in mind the add way MS has the "Documents and Settings" folder set up - it is a bunch of links to the "users" folder


just tar up the folders in ubuntu
and put them on an external drive

OK, I was assuming you couldn't use Windows at all.
When you manage to get into Win7, go to "Control Panel", then "System and Security", then "backup and Restore".

First thing, "Create a system Repair Disk". This will fit on a CD. Note you don't get an option to put it on a USB - even on a laptop that doesn't have a CD drive. No, I am not kidding - Microsoft does this to you.
Now select "Create System Image" - this is your backup of everything Windows.

1 members found this post helpful.

If there is a recovery partition as you have suggested then you could

1) Back up all of your personal files
2) Perform a 'recovery' (reinstall the OS in it's "vanilla" state (MAY DESTROY YOUR DATA - HENCE BACK IT UP FIRST!)
3) Buy a new hard disk
4) Swap out the disks and put the old windows disk away safe
5) Install OS of your choice on the new disk

Thank you, Cynwulf, but that isn't necessary. Windows is fine; I've even given it back a lot of the space I took from it.