scamander said:
ignatzatsonic,

wowza...that's really handy. I will look at downloading Macrium and giving it a go ce soir. So you would advise backing up personal files AND doing an image separately? If so how do you suggest backing up personal files - simply drag and drop? I've been drag and dropping from my C drive when I did it before.
I use Second Copy to back up personal files. Free 30 day trial, $30 if you want to continue using it. Some of it's competitors like Karen's Replicator and Synctoy are free. These apps are NOT for backing up Windows, but they are great for automating personal file backup.

Get Macrium Reflect Free Edition direct from Macrium. Get Acronis from Seagate or WD if you have one of their drives.

Yes, I would do them separately. If you personal files are on C with Windows, the image WILL contain your personal files, but that would not be enough assurance for me. I would still do a personal file backup with Second Copy.

With Macrium, you make the image, store it, and then make a boot disc (with Macrium) that you boot from to access and restore your image. You MUST use the boot disc.