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Back up your programs, system settings, and files with Windows Complete PC Backup.
Not available in Vista Home Editions!
A Windows Complete PC Backup creates a backup image, which contains copies of you programs, system settings, and files. The backup image is then stored in a separate location from the original programs, settings, and files. You can use this backup image to restore the contents of your computer if your hard disk or entire computer ever stops working.
Note: If your computer has more than one partition, you should run Windows Complete PC Backup shortly after you set up your computer. The backup should include all files and programs on all partitions. This gives you a backup image of your original computer configuration in case you ever need or want to restore your computer to that state. Save the backup image to a partition that Windows is not installed on, and also keep a backup on an external disk or set of DVDs, in case your computer’s hard disks are damaged.
To create a Windows Complete PC Backup image, your hard disk must be formatted to use the NTFS file system. Also, if you save the backup to an external hard disk, that disk must also be formatted to use the NTFS file system. The hard disk that you save the backup to must be a basic disk, not a dynamic disk. You can back up dynamic disks, but then you must back up all dynamic disks on the computer.
Warning: When you use a Windows Complete PC Backup image to restore your computer, it is a complete restoration. You can't choose individual items to restore, and all of your current programs, system settings, and files are replaced. You should regularly back up your files using the Back Up Files wizard.
- To open Backup and Restore Center, go to Control Panel – Backup and Restore Center.
- Click Back up computer, and then follow the steps in the wizard. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Note: This type of backup can only be made on a CD, DVD, or hard disk. If you use CDs or DVDs, you will need a lot of them. The backup program will let you know if the storage type you choose has enough space for all of your programs, system settings, and files. If there isn't enough space, you'll need a storage type that can hold more data.
To restore using a Windows installation disc
Use this method if your computer came with a Windows installation disc.
If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, see Installing and reinstalling Windows for instructions about how to do this.
- Insert the installation disc, and then restart your computer.
- Click the Start button , click the arrow next to the Lock button , and then click Restart.
- Choose your language settings, and then click Next.
- Click Repair your computer.
- Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
- On the System Recovery Options menu, click Windows Complete PC Restore, and then follow the instructions.
To restore using pre-installed recovery options
If your computer did not come with a Windows installation disc, use this method.
- Click the Start button , click the arrow next to the Lock button , and then click Restart.
- Do one of the following:
- If your computer has only one operating system installed, repeatedly press the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you will need to try again.
- If your computer has more than one operating system installed, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to start in safe mode, and then press F8.
- On the Advanced Boot Options menu, use the arrow keys to highlight Repair your computer, and then press ENTER.
- Select a keyboard layout, and then click Next.
- Select a user name and type the password, and then click OK.
- On the System Recovery Options menu, click Windows Complete PC Restore, and then follow the instructions.
Here are some alternatives for Vista systems that did not ship with Complete PC Backup
Acronis True Image:
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage
BootIt Next Generation & Image for Windows: