Novice57 posted this on the old board last year. I just ran across it and thought I would move it here:

Here is the primary tool in my arsenal for backing up data. For those not sure what to back up this will create an image of your entire drive and then re-install it after a format or partition change. (Always defrag first!!!) This image type is used by M$ and others to squeeze an entire OS onto a CD / DVD. I do suggest that you experiment on an extra drive or partition before doing critical drive work so that you understand the process. This ends the need for "slipstreamed" CD's or spending hours watching Windows Update re-install the SP. You can always have on hand a "perfect" image of your hard drive if you get everything where and how you like it before creating the image. A full image of an XP system partition will require a DVD burner.

http://www.runtime.org/products.htm

The app is called "Driveimage XML" and it is FREE!!