Another option for use can be an external enclosure where you can swap drives in and out at any time in order to expand on storage and backups even further. Those are typically low cost unless getting into a better fan cooled model running between $30-$40.
(Here the drives simply get larger and larger with each new build.)
Most new HD's come with cloning software or a link to it on the Support Downloads webpage for the model HD you buy.
Just plug the new HD in and clone the old one over to it, then unplug the old HD and swap its cable to the new one.
If Win7 fails to boot, run Startup Repair repeatedly from the DVD or Repair CD until it starts as sometimes the MBR must be repaired.
If you go the imaging route, try built-in Win7 backup imaging first. If it balks, then use free Macrium Reflect or free Paragon Backup and Restore.
While booted from the 7 dvd you use the restore option for any image created since that will scan for the latest or allow you to browse for one of choice. You wouldn't use Macrium's Reflect, Acronis, or any other 3rd party program for an image made with the Backup & Restore option since each has their own file types as well as methods used.
Windows for WindowsImageBackup, Reflect for Reflect images, Acronis for Acronis images, etc. is how that works. The two images attached here will show the differences right off. The first being a typical image made with the backup option in Windows appears as a user account folder. The second by Acronis is a large file with the "tib" extension seen.
Other programs like Reflect will have their own. Macrium's Reflect tends to divide things up into several files under one main folder for that program.
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