Disk image backup

[MikeHiow]

I'm looking for a solution that can back a drive up as a disk image, and can easily restore to a disk when needed.

I could always use a Linux live CD and use dd, but was hoping to find something a little more elegant, and perhaps be able to schedule backups as well.

Just to clarify, I do not want to clone the hard drive, but rather store the disk image on a larger hard drive.

Suggestions?

 

[MikeHiow]

Windows 7 backup sounds good, as I assume the other two cost money?

Can Windows 7 backup restore fully to a completely empty disk? If so, what is the process? This will be my OS disk, so does it create a boot disk, or can it be done with the Windows 7 install disk?

 

[MikeHiow]

I've used an Ubuntu live cd to create an image for tonight, as it's likely the easiest and fastest way.

I think once I'm back on the new hard drive though, I'll setup windows 7 backup to an external HD. I assume it can handle incremental backups?