OS imaging/backup

[Ford Freak]

I have a few different computers that serve different purposes. I'd like to be able to create an image/backup of just the OS itself on a separate hard drive that has multiple partitions. Let's say I have a 100GB drive with 5x 20GB partitions. Now let's say I have 5 different computers with different operating systems. I want to be able to backup/image the OS on each system to its own partition.

PC 1 - partition 1
PC 2 - partition 2
etc...

What would be the best way to do that if it is possible? Or would I be better off creating an installation disc? One of the reasons I'm bringing this up is because I have a system with ME on it for playing older games. I'm not sure if it's possible to download updates for the OS anymore which is why I would like to make an image/backup.

I do NOT want to do restores. I want to be able to do a fresh install or be able to do an install in the case of a drive failure. I'm thinking the best way to do that might be to create an install disc that will allow me to format the drive or to make an image.

[DigitalDemon]

Wait.. what?

-You want to make a backup image of your systems but not restore them?

-Are these backups supposed to be of fresh OS installations, or backups of used systems?

-Why separate the backups into different partitions? Are you wanting 1:1 file copies, or actual backup files?

[Ford Freak]

I want to be able to use them as a way to do a fresh install in case of a hard drive failure or any other reason that I might need to reinstall the OS. I guess they would be 1:1 copies. When I say restore, I don't mean system restore like backing up to a previous version. The backups would be of fresh OS installations.

[Trunks0]

I think AOMEI Backupper should be able to do what your asking.

[Ford Freak]

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

[The PyroPath]

A little bump and it may or may not be related to this. But I'd like to ask if there is something like a "live" backup/sync option or software. What I want is that the software checks if network drive X is online and if it is, sync all "new" data From Drive Y to Drive X.

What I want this for is my "media to go" set and media backup. I have a PC at home and I use it to download stuff into a folder. When I then connect my laptop to the network I want it to sync the new stuff to my laptop, so I always have the new stuff on it, I also want to sync the same stuff to another drive in the network.

[jimmt]

A little bump and it may or may not be related to this. But I'd like to ask if there is something like a "live" backup/sync option or software. What I want is that the software checks if network drive X is online and if it is, sync all "new" data From Drive Y to Drive X.

What I want this for is my "media to go" set and media backup. I have a PC at home and I use it to download stuff into a folder. When I then connect my laptop to the network I want it to sync the new stuff to my laptop, so I always have the new stuff on it, I also want to sync the same stuff to another drive in the network.

I used to use offline folders to do this. Basically, put your stuff on the network and then map it. In property of the folder choose available offline. When you connect back you can resync. That is a manual nice free way to do it. There was synctoy by MS. It too is free. Not sure if its still available.