Windows 7: Bootable image of hard disk?

Hi,

was wondering if there is any software that can backup and make a bootable image of a partition of hard disk - everything - including OS / installed programs / folders.

Important part is making bootable image. So in case OS goes corrupt/ hdd fails - just running that bootable image can restore everything. Once you keep a secure copy. you do not have to worry anymore.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Yes Inspiron15 you can create an image of your C drive completly. Most image creation programs also create a bootable cd/dvd that will then allow you to restore your saved image to your c drive.

There are a few free ones, I use acronis image backup and windows 7 comes with an image backup program that works.

All of the image creation programs require you to boot a cd/dvd that is created by the program to do a restore.

Most will clone a drive to an external one so that you can just replace your c drive with the clone and your back in business.

Rich

Macrium Reflect FREE can also image off your drive. This version requires you to create a Linux Boot CD in order to do a restore when your OS no longer boots.

The paid version includes the option to install WinPE to your hard drive. You can select that from your OS menu if your hard drive no longer boots into Windows. Prevents you from having to create or use a Boot CD.

This is true but you should still create a boot CD in case your disk fails.
The paid version and I think the free one will also clone a drive or partition.

That is an interesting question by the OP . OP may have a look at this article to see whether that answers his question.

ISO to Backup and Restore your Hard Drive

I'm a little reluctant to suggest it, because some people are complaining about problems with it, but I bought True Image 12, because of one factor...Universal Restore. It is supposed to enable one to use an image to recover to different hardware than the that of the machine that it was created on. I don't currently have plans to upgrade anything, but it makes me feel better knowing that this is in waiting if needed. If you don't mind paying for the program, it is the way to go.

Its heartning to know its possible and getting gr8 replies. Now it seems next logical question would be what will be the easiest and fastest way to do it?

Also I prefer a bootable USB drive instead of CD/DVDs.

I can buy paid software if i have to. But i want total peace of mind. In case anything happens to my hard drive / OS, i can get back everything as it was.

@jumanji - that article has a good alternative way of doing same task. yes it is what i m trying to do.

Glad that you found the article more closely addressing your query.

Conventional backup software usually compress the backup image, whereas an ISO will be a one to one backup - an exact replica of the original and so you will require as much space as your original to save it.

If you want to use the conventional backup solutions, you can run the bootable ISO of the recovery disk from a pendrive. You can use the Universal USB Installer
Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux to create the bootable pendrive. I use YUMI-Mutiboot ISO creator YUMI - Multiboot USB Creator (Windows) | USB Pen Drive Linux to run any of the many bootable ISOs from the pendrive.