If you wish to *Image* your sys so that it could be recovered then an
Imaging App eg Ghost or True Image is the simplest way to go.
True Image can also be used with data files, eg to recover a specific file.
You can also boot with the True Image cd to recover an Image
There is a fully functioning trial at Acronis site.

"MariaL" <layportm@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:1176144013.113252.305370@y66g2000hsf.googlegr oups.com...
>I bought a 160 GB external drive for backing up my files. I want to
> make a full backup of my entire PC. I have Nero installed and I also
> have the Windows Backup program that comes with XP. I didn't try the
> windows utility because it read it will make a bootable floppy, I
> don't have a floppy drive on my new laptop. I used the Nero Backit
> up program. My harddrive has 38gb used space, the backup came out to
> 30gb..any idea why?
>
> Also, anyone have any personal experience between these two backup
> programs or any advice on any others available that are better.
>
> Thanks for any and all help.
>