No. I use it as well.

DenverBrian:

Thanks for this recommendation. The people from Geek Squad at Best Buy also recommend and use Acronis. BTW, Amazone has the new Acronis True Image Home 2010 for $19.99.

Now here is my problem/question:

I want a clean install of Windows. So I am going to make a mirror image of C: to my WD Passport disk. Then I install Windows. Then I copy the image back from WD passport to C:. Will I have still the new Windows (and saved files) ... or will Acronis also copy the "old" Windows and I have the same old Operating System before I started?

A mirror image is an exact duplicate, bit for bit, of the disk or partition.

So if you make a mirror image of C:, THEN install Windows, you will lose that installation of Windows if you restore the mirror image.

A mirror image is a snapshot of your entire disk at that moment in time. It's wonderful for situations like when your OS screws up and you're forced to re-install the OS, but then you'd also have to re-install all your programs and go through the 72 Windows updates and so on.

With a mirror image, you can restore your disk to exactly the way it was when you imaged - meaning you'll have a good OS AND all your programs installed properly.

I always image my C: drive just after buying a new 'puter, after I've got it set up with all the stuff I want; that becomes a reference image I can always go back to in an emergency.

I keep all my data in a separate partition to eliminate any problems with losing data when re-imaging.

In your case, I think you want to install Windows, get it all set up with updates and drivers (but not programs, if I'm reading you right)...THEN image the disk. This will create a "clean copy of Windows" you can go back to in an emergency.

P.S. The Amazon Acronis 2010 at $19.99 is a great deal, especially if you are on Windows 7. If you're still on Vista, ComputersWorth has their little bundle back where you can get Acronis 2009, McAfee, and a 4GB flash drive for $21. That's how I originally got my copy of Acronis.

DenverBrian:

Thanks for all.
Yes, I want to install Windows 7. I could install it on top of Vista 64 bit, but the people from Geek Squad at Best Buy told me that a clean install is much better... but with a clean install I may loose some of my older programs. Thanks again ... I'll stay for some time with Vista ... the risk to loose some of my needed programs is just too high.

Indeed, there's nothing like a loose program to ruin your day. I use tightening software daily.

You might consider Paragon free backup software for your future needs. Personally I had a very positive experience using it, and it's FREE!

Check out drop box, 2gb for free, great if you use multiple pcs/macs