Image restore data question

If I restore using an image (think Acronis, Ghost) will all the data on the drive be erased? Because when I reinstall XP the data is still there after reinstall with the new XP.

 

Yes, if you use a restore program like Acronis or Ghost, then the entire hard drive will be erased, and "restored" to the exact state it was in when you created the restore "image"

Actually, when you do a full re-install of windows XP the same thing happens - all data on the drive is erased. I think what you mean is a "repair" re-install of XP which just overwrites the operating system files, but leaves all user created files intact. All the person then need to is download all the updates and security fixes that have come out since their version of XP was created.

The nice thing about Acronis is that you can do incremental updates to your restore image file, thus keeping it as close to "now" as possible when a restore is needed.

 

Will Acronis make a bootable cd or dvd backup so I can just pop the cd in after a crash and do the restore?

 

Yes - so will ghost. They vary somewhat in how they operate. Also with Acronis if you make a protected restore partition on your hard drive, you will be prompted to press "F11" on a reboot to access the restore functions. Ghost may have this option also, but I don't know for sure.

 

So Acronis will place the restore partition on the same drive and then it will appear at boot even if the OS on the drive is unbootable?

 

Yes, although this backup solution should be followed up by placing a full image on another kind of media, like a DVD or external hard drive, just in case your hard drive dies.