How do I backup the windows updates?

Having installed loads of windows updates I'd hate to have do them from
scratch again if my hard drive fails.

I know there is a recovery drive (D) but I assume this is a partition
on the same physical disc.

I'd hate to install Vista onto a new drive from the DVD then have to
use Windows Update and have to overcome all the installation failures
I've had on my way to Service Pack 1.

I've heard of an image of the system. Is this like a backup?

Assuming you can backup windows, I've a few questions:

1) Can Vista tools do this? I'd prefer this route if available to avoid
relying on another third party tool.

2) If Vista can't what freeware do you recommend?

3) Are other program installations e.g. Adobe included or does the
normal Backup and Restore do these.

4) How big is a Vista Operating System backup (C:\Windows is 14.6GB,
C:\Program files is about 4GB.)

Thanks in anticipation for your help.


--
pjsformula1

"pjsformula1" <guest@unknown-email.com> wrote in message
news:616ff2bcf70f85e723909a323fa87fb0@nntp-gateway.com...
>
> Having installed loads of windows updates I'd hate to have do them from
> scratch again if my hard drive fails.
>
> I know there is a recovery drive (D) but I assume this is a partition
> on the same physical disc.
>
> I'd hate to install Vista onto a new drive from the DVD then have to
> use Windows Update and have to overcome all the installation failures
> I've had on my way to Service Pack 1.
>
> I've heard of an image of the system. Is this like a backup?
>
> Assuming you can backup windows, I've a few questions:

>
> 1) Can Vista tools do this? I'd prefer this route if available to avoid
> relying on another third party tool.
>
> 2) If Vista can't what freeware do you recommend?
>
> 3) Are other program installations e.g. Adobe included or does the
> normal Backup and Restore do these.
>
> 4) How big is a Vista Operating System backup (C:\Windows is 14.6GB,
> C:\Program files is about 4GB.)
>
> Thanks in anticipation for your help.
>
>
> --
> pjsformula1

Make an image of our disk. Acronis True Image is the program recommended by
most. Making an image is not the same as a backup. Restoring an imagine
will put your HD back to exactly the same condition as it was when the image
was created.
MLD