Creating a backup/image?

[DampDog]

Looks like I'm going to do a clean installation of Windows 7 to try and bottom some random reboots.

Not relishing a fresh install and hours of Windows updates to bring the system back up to date.

What is the easiest way to back it up, make an image of the system once I have it all back and up to date? I have used windows backup, is that sufficient or is there a better method. I'm not sure just what Windows backup actually copies/saves?

 

[DampDog]

Cheers.

My thinking was do a fresh install, reinstall Office (2010) allow windows update to bring everything back up to date and then create a backup, then use that as my baseline fresh install.

 

[DampDog]

Cheers for the advice folks, got a few more things to try before I bite the bullet and do another install. Then I'll get on top of it for next time!!