Any freeware software to burn an image of my pc system?

Question

One of those images where the pc can be restored to an earlier state if there is ever a problem? Like to DVD or CD or to the system itself.

System Restore doesn't cut it cause it totally messes up an important program I use.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Well there is a free trail on Acronis. Its the best one I know of.. there may be some "freeware" but haven't found one that works nearly as well..
http://www.acronis.com/

The only free one I know about is DriveImage XML which I quess is OK but not as good.
http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm

:)

Answer 2

I have used used the MS Backup program found in the System Tools.
I have 3 hard drives. Drive 1 (C:\) 160gb, Drive 2 (D:\, E:\, F:\) 500GB, and my backup drive 160 GB (Z:\).
I have had to restor my system twice do to corrupt files and it worked perfectly each time.
You should still run Spyot S&D ever night to make a System Restore for the easy fix. I always have a fresh restore point.

Answer 3

OK, this will not wreck your system.
What I do is to create 3 partitions, and a dual boot system. First partition = "lifeboat"(C:\), second = "System"(D:\) third =Archive.(E:\)
On the first partition load up a fairly minimal system, with only one application either WinRar or WinZip (both free). Second partition, everything you want. Third partition is the archive.
Now, using your "lifeboat" system, Delete pagefile.sys of the real full system (D:\), copy sheliconcache of D:\ to C:\ and delete the copy in D:\. Then, replace the file to D:\ from the copy in C:\. Still from C:\, defragment D:\. It will defragment fully. Do not worry where we deleted Pagefile.sys, it is reformed on boot, so we do not need it.
Then, using WinRar, compress and archive the whole of D:\ to E:\.
If ever you need, from C:\, format D:\, then expand your archived file from E:\. Result....nice clean, brand new system.
Sorry if this sounds complex, but, when the bovine effluent hits the fan its safe and sure.. takes about 30 mins to restore/recover.
Any probs, queries my E-Mail is open on my profile

Answer 4

the thing i use, was on the front cover of a magazine..

paragon backup, perhaps look when u go news agents for such mags with disks on the front £5 , i didn't mind paying for