I learned a long time ago to keep my Os separate from my data files. Even MS hints at this by providing each user with the "My Documents" folder. However, I go one step further and keep all of my data files on a separate partition from the Os (Win Xp). I back up my data files daily, and usually more often when I'm working and saving critical files to disk. For this purpose, I use the freeware WMatch (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1790135,00.asp) because it compares and shows me differnces between my data files on my working drive1 data file partition and the files on the back up partition of drive2. The files I back up are fully usable and can be copied back to drive1 if necessary by hand or with WMatch.

Now backing the Os is handled differently. Using Ghost, I back up the primary partition with Xp Os less often, and then only when I've installed new software that I really want to keep and I know everything is working correctly. Currently I have only 5 images on my back up drive2 image partition. They date back to the day I prrchased the Pc, but I really only need my last two images. This month when I have to install tax software, I'll use that last image to restore my Pc to it's previous pretax condition. I may need the previous image because the last image has Cubase LE and Proteus VX software and I'm still trying to see if I can find a use for those products. If I can't then I'll drop back to the previous image.

Finally, I keep my Os images and my data files backed up to an 2.5 external Usb drive in separate partitions.

Hopefully there are some thoughts in this post you will find useful.

jb

JBlatz