Questions about disk imaging.

I have been reading some about Norton Ghost. What I would like to do is reformat and install XP.,set it up the way I want,make an image and save it on a cd or different drive to use the next time I want to reformat. I have some questions,(1) is there a free software to do this?(2) Can I make an image of 1 partition(not the whole drive)? (3) When I restore it do I need a working copy of XP on the partition? (4) Does it restore everything ie. registry, settings,bookmarks,delete programs that were installed after the image was taken? TIA.

 

1) I do not believe there is free software to do this. I haven't seen any at least.
2) Yes you can do a single partition.
3) No you do not need anything on the partition when you restore it. In fact it's best to have a completely blank freshly formatted drive.
4) It does resotre everything, as in registry, settings, bookmarks. It will make the drive EXACTLY as it was when the image was made. It doesn't so much delete apps that were installed after as it removed everything from the drive and then puts back what was there when an image was made.

 

Thanks Coco, I didn't think there was freeware to do this but I thought I would ask.

 

I use Ghost, but Acronis comes highly recommended here, and it's cheaper http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2236.html
These are free backup apps. I've never used them, but everything here has been tested by Tim or Jim. If you don't mind experimenting since you are formatting and starting over anyways, just try one out on your current installation. If it doesn't work, just format and reinstall as you had planned and buy Ghost or Acronis.
Lexun http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3785.html
ImageMaker http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3914.html
Karen's Replicator http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3917.html