[soarwitheagles]

Ok,

I completely removed everything from my HD by using the Windows 7 Ultimate disc to format the HD. I spent hours downloading and installing all the programs I now need for my new system. I also installed all programs from DVD/CD's on my HD.

I have partitioned the Windows 7 Ultimate on one portion of my HD. I placed all my programs on the next partition and everything is working absolutely perrrrrrfect!

And now, the million dollar question:

What is the best way to back all this up? Is there a way that I can copy this "image" of both partitions so that in the event something gets corrupt, I can reinstall the entire system with the programs without having to spend hours all over again?

I do have a really nice external HD [320GB Free Agent by Seagate] that I am not using...

I was looking at the back up and restore options in the control panel of windows 7...it shows some ways to do a back up....but I am not sure what is the best way....

Can I count on windows 7 for the back up or would it be better to use a 3rd party software?

Please give me some good advice...

Thanks,

It's me,

Soar

[MikeFuryXP]

Have a look at acronis backup suite for home users.
Backup and restore system software and PC system utilities for Windows and Linux OSs

Also I highly recommend you backup any downloaded software with proper serial keys either to a DVD, HD-DVD or like you said a hdd bigger than 200gbs for emergency backup purposes only.

[soarwitheagles]

Originally Posted by MikeFuryXP

Have a look at acronis backup suite for home users.
Backup and restore system software and PC system utilities for Windows and Linux OSs

Also I highly recommend you backup any downloaded software with proper serial keys either to a DVD, HD-DVD or like you said a hdd bigger than 200gbs for emergency backup purposes only.

Mike,

Thanks for the good advice. Is there a freeware version of acronis? I remember buying a version this last summer because there was a great rebate, but I think I left it overseas.

Soar

[Lexluethar]

Windows 7 can do that for you and from my experience it is a good piece of the OS. You can do a system image that will take a snapshot of your system that you can reinstall if the image became corrupt.

[soarwitheagles]

Originally Posted by Lexluethar

Windows 7 can do that for you and from my experience it is a good piece of the OS. You can do a system image that will take a snapshot of your system that you can reinstall if the image became corrupt.

Lex,

Ok, thanks for the info. I just found my new copy of Acronis True Image Home 2009. I bought it this summer and never used it.

Lex, have you used the Windows 7 system image yet?

Thanks,

Soar

[Lexluethar]

I have not, just haven't had the time. But it is free and included in Ultimate.

Edit: i'm trying windows 7 system image it right now, i'll let you know how it goes.

[soarwitheagles]

Originally Posted by Lexluethar

I have not, just haven't had the time. But it is free and included in Ultimate.

Edit: i'm trying windows 7 system image it right now, i'll let you know how it goes.

Lex,

Ok, thanks much and I appreciate you and the help you often give here at Computer Tech Forums!

Soar

[Mr. LL]

You might wan to think about mirroring two drives if the mobo supports it. Or add a second smaller drive, ghost or image the OS and store the image there or on a dvd.

[Mak213]

FOG, CloneZilla