You should make a Rescue Disk (Bootable External Hard Drive) and/or Factory Backup (Bootable USB Flash Drive) using the Latest version of Dell Backup and Recovery. See here for details: [URL] I demonstrate creating the recovery media and using it to install the factory settings on a new SSD. 
how do I get a copy of the Windows disk? Likewise, is there a way to copy it from the computer to a CD/DVD?  What if the  hard drive ever crashes? I have a Dell Refurbished Lattitude E6410 with Windows 7.that I purchased from Staples.  I think theres a way to make a recovery disk, and should be a way to  make a O/S Back up disk.  My Dell 2003 Desk top shipped with the OS, and drivers Disk.. but not my two last laptop computers.
how do I get or make a copy of the Windows 7 OS disk?