an image backup of c drive..

I think that's what it's called. anyway something more then just a backup. One that you don't have to reinstall your software to get it into the registry.

Do I need special software? or is there a utility in W7. If not what do I need to buy?

I just.. just finished W7 installation. Now my D drive is failing. Both drives are the same make model and old, in fact they were in an older computer and almost everything in the pc was updated except the harddrives because they are more then sufficient in size.

So maybe I should replace them both. But I don't want to go through the pain of reinstalling. Anyway, I usually have to reinstall due to my husbands email "joke sharing" practice usually gives us a virus about twice a year.

This backup would be very helpful, I just never looked into it until now.

Depending on your version, I have home premium and in start,all programs, maintenance there is is backup and restore. In there you can create a system disk to either a dvd or external hd or whatever.

If you don't have that I've seen others say this works well also.
Free Backup Software: Paragon Backup & Recovery 10 Free Edition - Overview

I do have an external backup drive, where my D drive info is already backed up awaiting the impending doom of harddisk failure.
That will be where I plan to off load a image backup of the C drive.. thanks for all the great information.

Norton Ghost does not work with Windows 7. Symantec told me the patches will be available "in a few months". Until then you cannot use Ghost 14 or earlier. My 2 CDs are going back for a REFUND!
PS - Norton System Works is also NOT COMPATIBLE with Win7 (I will also return these CDs).