back up xp on partition?

i put in my new hd yesterday and partitioned it. i have a bunch of room left and was wondering if i should be able to put a perfect copy of xp in my big partition so if xp crashes in the main one, this would be there. also as a backup for viruses, corruption, etc. is this a good idea? i am burnt brainwise from yesterday but i can't help it. it must be the geek....

 

The short answer is no....

First, an alternate working copy of XP, would become outdated in a very short time. Second, if you are trying to protect yourself from a hard drive crash....all partitions on the device would likely be gone in the event of a crash. Third, Windows XP has a standard feature to help you out with problems that effect your machine after misguided software or firmware installs and its called System Restore. START | ACCESSORIES | SYSTEM TOOLS | SYSTEM RESTORE. Before you install software or hardware on your system create a restore checkpoint and you will be able to go back if something happens. Create checkpoints often.

If you are looking for way of protecting your system in the event of a hard drive crash, I would suggest Acronis TrueImage and an external USB hard drive.

 

yeah it's a very good idea to clone your windows. but i don't suggest you to use standart windows utilities, use for example true image for this. it allow you to create a special hidden "Secure Zone" partition for storing your archieves on your computer system itself. so you can store the clone version of your windows and be sure that nothing will happen with it.

 

I use a Freeby Drive Image XML once weekly to backup which worked very well when I did a test run.

 

Are you wanting to do something beyond what System Restore gives you?
What are you trying to protect yourself against? Hardware failure or Software failure?

 

primarily software failure but also hardware failure since the pc is old. i guess i'm skittish because the only thing i've had to compare XP to is ME. i'm gonna have to get used to it. i've lost a lot of stuff because of restores and recoveries. i want this to be as safe, secure, and backed up well. otherwise what's the use of tryin' to store anything deemed important on my hd? i log a lot of hours on here. time is worth something.

 

With your comment you should be able to put a number($) on your backup solution. If your time and data is worth something then I would select a backup method that addresses all of your needs. You said you have lost " a lot of stuff" due to restores and recoveries which should not be the case.

In my opinion, the best way to go is with Acronis TrueImage and a backup USB hard drive. Or, as HALO has mentioned, a DVD backup solution. But, if you want to be safe from hardware failure as you mentioned, then forget about partitioning the hard drive as a method of backup.

 

i'm for true image too, it's the best backup software!