Back-up of OS (Windows 7)

I am sure this has been answered countless times but I can't find it.

One of you once gave advice on how to back up the entire or part (?) of the OS in the event that something should go wrong. I don't believe this was the direct answer to the problem but simply some advice from one of you to someone in order to avoid future problems.

I am about to do a fresh re-install of my Windows7 this coming week. I wasn't aware that such a procedure was possible. I have seen advertisements and promos for software around the internet but I would like to know if there is a possible of doing this manually (ie: backing up to an external drive) or other procedure? If so, how is this done or does one actually need to purchase a software app to do this.

If this has been answered before can you point me in the right direction to find out how this is done step-by-step. I am really belaboured by the re-installation of the OS at least every-other year. Thank you.

Windows 7 built-in backup:

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/4241/...-in-windows-7/

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...m-image-backup

Acronis:

http://www.acronis.com

Thank you for that quick answer.

The backup utilities in Windows 7 seems to be pretty straight forward but I'm guessing that the Acronis True Image Home is a bit more thorough. Which do you personally recommend?

Windows Secrets > Build a complete Windows 7 safety net, by Fred Langa
http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/...-7-safety-net/

I like Acronis for a number of reasons. First, it allows you to make multiple disk images and keep each one whereas Windows imaging program requires you to move the previous image to a new location because it won't allow more than one at a time. Acronis also compresses the images to save considerable space.. as much as 50-60% depending on circumstances. It also allows you to add to an existing image rather than create a complete new one. And lastly it also optionally creates a pre-boot environment/version of itself that you can boot to (by pressing F11) if you've had a catastrophic Windows boot failure from which you can more easily get back to a known state.

Another vote for Acronis.

Thanks this has been more than helpful.

I'm sure all this will be as much help to someone coming along in the future.
Cheers.