Backing up OEM Vista to replace with XP

[SlyDetective]

Hi, I have a new Samsung Q45 Laptop That comes with OEM version of Vista.

The HD is partitioned into 3. One is the sytem (C: ), the other for data (D: ), and finally there is a 3rd partition with a backup of C: in it's initial state, using samsungs own software (much slower than acronis, btw)

Ok, so here is my question:

I want to completly remove Vista and intall XP (becuase Vista is completly useless with audio software at the moment), while keeping my copy of Vista and samsungs pre-installed software for future use. I was thinking I could use Acronis True Image Home 11 to make a backup of all three partitions, and then recover this backup when I want to revert back to Vista... HOWEVER... If I repartition the drive when installing XP, will this screw up my ability to backup??? When backing up multiple drives, will it repartition my drive back to the state when I made the backup? Should I just back up the C: drive in it's initial state, and fob off the other partitions? Or, On a tangent, legality issues aside, If I wanted to put Vista on my desktop, could I use the backup from my laptop (of course, having to install some new drivers...)?

Usually I wouldn't be such a pansy, but I only have one shot at this, so I'm a little apprihensive. I really just want an image of both XP and Vista which I can change to at any time, without the hassle (and hard drive expense) of dual booting.

Sorry if this is a really simple question inefficiently asked. I think I just need to do it...

Thanks in advance!!! :) :) :)

[kC_]

i wouldnt bother worrying about vista.. its a dead duck, by the time they ever get round to fixing it, windows 7 will be with us

vista is the new windows M.E ;)

[uptone]

Well, if I were doing what you want to do, I would get me another hard drive and use acronis to back up the entire drive that you want. Including all partitions and data. I would have acronis verify the backup and I would make an acronis boot CD. I would then disconnect the hard drive that I put the verified backup on and then have at the system. Remove the partitions I don't want and fix it the way I do want it, all the time knowing that if something goes wrong I have my good backup drive that I can reconnect, restore and start again.

Some people might say this is too much trouble. I don't think it is. I think taking these few precautions will save you a lot of time and frustration. Some people will say just use a USB drive to back it up. I wouldn't. Use a physically connected properly formatted second drive and you can't go wrong.

[SlyDetective]

Thanks uptone... If I can, I will definatly do what you suggest.

The problem is, how can I get a second HD for my laptop? Is there anyway I can do what you suggest with the HD of my desktop?

I have a 500gig USB hard drive, but as you said this wouldn't work...

I think what I may end up doing will be to simply backup C:, install xp and wipe all the drives and repartition. Then, if I want to put vista back on... I can create my own recovery partition using acronis instead of the defult samsung one.

[seekforever]

I would make the rescue CD first and use it to verify the backup. It is the rescue CD's Linux OS environment that needs to be able to read and restore the archive. Windows is not the same environment obviously.

Your method assumes the Q45 will take a second HD; I don't think it will so an external drive or some other storage media will be required.

You could yank the Vista HD and put it aside and then put in a new drive and load up XP and apps and data files.

[DwnNdrty]

For the least headache but with some expense, I would buy another laptop drive, remove the original as is and install XP on the new drive.
An alternative - still requires a second laptop drive, but it will give you peace of mind - is to use True Image to make a Backup Image of the entire original drive and put this Image on your external usb drive. I would also use the Rescue CD to do this Backup. Next remove the original drive and install the new laptop drive. Then use the Rescue CD to Recover (as Acronis calls it) the Image to the new drive. Now see if it boots just like the original. If it goes, you're golden. Next you can wipe it and install XP on it.

Note: the second laptop drive does not have to be the same size as the original. It only has to be large enough to hold what is on the C partition. And if you haven't added your programs yet, my guess is that a drive as small as 20Gb would suffice.