My computer has a recovery copy of XP on another partition of the hard drive, installed at the factory. I've used it a couple of times without any problems. A pal of mine suggested that I make an image of the hard drive instead, which would save time; not having to re-tweak the OS the way I like it, and reinstall MS updates and favorite programs. He suggested BootIt. I believe it's a good choice since I've seen Fred Langa (Langalist) recommend it in his newsletter. My question is this: After the hard drive image is made, does it contain both the currently active volume and the XP recovery volume? Or is the image only of the currently active volume? And if so, will reinstalling the image interfere with, or damage, the XP recovery volume? Obviously, I want to avoid corrupting or erasing the XP recovery volume, since I have no backup disks. Nor would I enjoy paying retail for another copy of XP. Thanks for any advice and tips.

You can decide, but generally if you create an image of your drive, assuming the backup drive is at least as large as your drive then you will get all partitions. Incidentally, have you tried asking HP/Compaq for a copy of your system on CD? -I've done it a couple of times for both HP & Compaq PCs & they sent out a 2 disk sets with the complete original setup for the PCs (postage free as well) - means you can do away with the separate partition completely if you want. "I know that I'm mad - I've always been mad..."

Most drive imagers that I know of work WITHIN partitions and NOT physical drives. I beleive strongly in drive imaging and do it all the time.... and it's a HUGE time saver. I crash my machine on almost a daily basis because I like to play around with system files. In 10 or 15 minutes I can have the machine back up and running complete with my costomized ..been imaging for about 10 years now andI have NEVER had to go back to the original system disks as a result of crashes and re installs. Not only that but I also have images of win2000, 98, 95.... I can put for example win95 complete with its programs, back on the machine in about 5 minutes and it's like I never left it. Drive images copy byte for byte and then compresses it for storage on CD's if you wish (I just store my image of C: on my D: drive). But my imager (Save Part) can take about 5.5 gigs and fit it on to about 2 CDs. When you restore an image, your computer will be EXACTLY the same as it was when you took the image... even the email that you had in your box at the time will be there. Your XP restore will be EXACTLY the same also. Drive imaging is a goodway to back up...I'm sold on it anyway.