There is no doubt Windows 7 comes with the most advanced backup and system recovery tools to date.

The built-in ability to create and save a full system image is a giant leap forward. Everyone should use this feature to create an image of their system. Here are links to terrific step by step guides from our very own Dave:

[url=http://www.davescomputertips.com/newsletters/2010/100401.php#article1:quzb6pcq]Create a System Image in Windows 7[/url:quzb6pcq]
[url=http://www.davescomputertips.com/newsletters/2010/100501.php#article1:quzb6pcq]Restore a System Image in Windows 7[/url:quzb6pcq]

Another useful option to aid with disaster recovery (when the operating system cannot be booted) is to create a bootable System Repair disc which includes options to access the following recovery tools:

*Startup Repair
*System Restore
*System Image Recovery
*Windows Memory Diagnostic
*Command prompt

Creation of the repair disc is an automatic option during image creation but it can also be done separately.

Here