Do System Image Backups contain all drivers, settings, etc.?

I'm toying with the idea of switching to Ubuntu as my main OS and reinstalling Windows 7 as my gaming OS.

If I do go ahead with it, Ubuntu will be what I install first to make sure I can get everything transferred and setup the way I like it. I've installed and used Ubuntu in the past, so I'm not too concerned about being able to get all that setup.

What I am a bit uncertain about is reinstalling Windows. I basically just want to make sure and confirm that system image backups do contain ALL drivers, settings, etc. etc.. My first assumption is "Yes, of course it does. It's implied in the name 'System Image'", but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

So if something does go wrong during the whole process, as long as I have my backup, I should be able to get my Windows install right back to exactly the way it was drivers and all, correct?

Thanks!

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(Kind of an off-topic question, but might as well just try and ask here instead of creating another thread.):

My laptop has an OEM Windows key printed on the bottom, which won't get me access to a Windows 7 download from the Microsoft download page, but if I'm able to obtain a Windows 7 image elsewhere, that key will allow me to activate it, correct? Or is there a better way to go about reinstalling Windows to a 100% clean install?

If you use imaging software and take a full image it will return it exactley as it was when you took the image all software drivers doc etc. Alot of linux now understand windows and it will install from windows and set it all up duel boot with no problems.

The key will work as long as its a OEM version you have

Thanks!