It's not often that I'd recommend a Windows package on a 'Nix forum but this particular package can also be run from its own stand alone bootable media --so you don't have to have Windows installed (it's actually a minilinux system --must confuse 'Doze users when they use it) .

What this package does is simply copy an image of a disk partition --it doesn't matter what's on the disk, whatever file system etc etc. It's simply a physical Disk copying program which essentially copies sector by sector (only sectors with data however need to be copied). A typical 7 GB partition will compress down to around 3 GB making it easy to back it up on to a DVD and have a "Bare Metal" recovery.

(Can also copy 'DOZE partitions as well).

http://www.acronis.com

It's saved me oodles of times and countless re-installs.

OK it's commercial software and very cheap --but you have to evaluate your time with effort spent.

For me the price was well worth it -- I always look for an open source program first but in this case I just haven't seen anything as quick or as good.

Cheers

-K

Does it offer any advantages over partimage? Has anyone here used/tried both?

(I am not trolling, it's an honest question)

Partimage would seem to offer all the functionality needed, and is freely available. The best approach is to go with a live CD like Knoppix, and then you can easily save off the complete partition or set of partitions you are currently using. I have saved and restored partitions this way quite successfully. I would recommend it.