I think the most important decision to make is what to backup. Don't just copy files over and call it a backup, think carefully what do you want and...
Have a look at this tutorial on the site that explains why the icon is there and if you still don't find it useful, it has instructions for hiding it...
Mike I don't work with Acronis very much, but instead of using the Clone mode can't you copy the "good" partition to a spare 2.5" drive and try that?...
I should've been clearer - I'm trying to learn if there's any advantage to keeping the OS on separate drives - other than if a drive dies it doesn't...