does windows backup the MBR ?

does windows backup save the MBR when backing up to an image using the builtin backup program in windows 7 ultimate x64.

 

I think Windows only backs up the system partition and the boot partition, if it is different. If there are MBR-related problems when an image is restored, Windows can recreate the MBR during a "repair" process.

 

if windows backup doesnt save the MBR, which other programs can i use that will ?.

 

There are several special tools to backup and restore the MBR. Two of them are MBRTool (http://www.diydatarecovery.nl/mbrtool.htm and HDHacker (http://dimio.altervista.org/eng/).

Also, some imaging programs such as Paragon can optionally backup the MBR or the Track0. Others, such as ShadowProtect, always backup them when the system partition is backed up. These programs can also generate a standard MBR when needed.

 

is this possible with acronis true image

 

To my knowledge, Acronis has always saved a copy of the MBR when it does a disk/partition save. It gives you the option to restore it when a restoration is performed.