I was curious about making a bootable backup image that is made from my current computer settings. I reformat my computer every couple months and find myself reinstalling all of my key programs over and over. It is a rather tedious process. I am hoping there is a way around this by making a backup image of my setup. By this I mean installing a fresh copy of Windows XP Prof, installing some of my key programs/settings/etc., and then making a bootable cd/dvd that I could use to reformat with that would install Win XP exactly as I configured it. I have used the files and settings transfer wizard and don't really like it. Any help on making a bootable windows image that could be used for reformatting would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if this is confusing. Thanks in advance!

Hey there... Now... here is my suggestion... Get rid of all your freewares, sharewares or microsoft solutions...lol If you want a good app for creating bootable restore images on any type of media support run... run and get youself Norton Ghost... Ok so it's not free... But man it works... lmao Cheers... The X in The Split

I agree, NOrton Ghost is good for making an image. I have used it in the past, its a little confusing working outside of windows. But recently I have been watching reviews on imaging software and one that always seems to come out ahead is "Acronis True Image" This program you can operate right out of windows. Goi to there web site an see how easy it is to work. I downloaded it on line and put on a cd. Let me know what you think. meggi@rochester.rr.com Rochester, NY

Powerquest Drive Image (Now owned by Symantec the makers of Norton Ghost) is another very good program that will do this. You may be interested in this thread on how to make a custom recovery cd. ___________________________________________ ☺ When everything else fails, read the instructions.