futuristic6 said:
Thanks Marsmimar.

When i have tried to use win7 builtin image utility, it takes too long and gives me an error message.

I also read that it is not the best and has some issues. though honestly after formatting and reloading win 7 this time, i have not tried the same.

Also, as I understand it system Image is different from data back up.

I mean that i create a system image at start when the system is new and I have loaded all my programs. And to keep my data safe, i need to take a backup say every week or so.

But as i go on, i would tend to install some programs and unless i retake a system image i will loose these newly installed programs incase of system crash.
That it was slow and gave an error message could have been the result of damaged or corrupt system files. Since you've recently formatted and reloaded Win 7 64 bit from the OS DVD those issues should have been corrected. You're also correct that many people don't like the Win 7 imaging tool for various reasons. Personally, I use it every week (along with Macrium) and have never experienced any problems.

You're also correct that a data backup isn't the same as a system image. I do a data backup every evening and a system image every week (or sooner if I make a major change to my computers.) But whether you use the Win 7 imaging tool, Macrium, Paragon, or something else entirely, a system image isn't a nicety ... it's a necessity in this day and age of computing. Especially for getting your machine running in the least amount of time.