Enter
DriveImage XML. As written on their site, DriveImage XML is an “easy to use and reliable program for imaging and backing up partitions and logical drives.” Aside from the bizarre image on their site of a man jumping into a pool with the caption, “You saved my life today…”, I’ve found it to be a solid program. Of course, I had to test everything before I could write about it, so in the interest of science I methodically backed up my files, re-installed Windows, tweaked, and then got to know DriveImage XML. This process worked for me. However, you must USE THIS GUIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I cannot be held responsible for any harm done.
That said, the basic system specs that I used are as follows:
Processor: P4 2.66 GHz
RAM: 2GB PC2700
Hard Disks: 120GB WD “Special Edition” IDE; 300GB Maxtor S-ATA
Optical Drives: NEC CD-RW and NEC DVD-RW
Requirements:
To successfully image and restore your system using this method, you will need the following:
* A Windows XP Home or Professional install disc. According to their site, DriveImage XML will only run on XP. If a daring Windows 2000 holdout wants to try this, let me know what happens.
* A CD or DVD burner. This is required to create the “Live CD” environment. A CD burner is good. A DVD burner is better. Two optical drives are ideal, but not required.
* While not absolutely required, a spare partition or spare hard drive will make things more convenient.
Note: If you do not have a second optical drive, you must have either a spare internal partition or hard disk. An external hard disk works as well. The point is that you need a place to store the image outside the system drive for restoration purposes. I suppose that it is entirely possible to build a “live DVD” that also contains the restoration image provided that you have enough space on your DVD, but I did not explore this option.
Ready to get started? Go to the
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