If you just finished installing your new Windows 7, then maybe the first thing you should do is to backup your new installation so that in case of failure ( for example: if it becomes unbootable ) you will be able to restore it without the need of reinstalling the operating system again. I recommend you to create an image when your system is clean and organized because in this way the image file will be smaller and without a superfluous data (like temporary files). For example I created an image after a fresh install of Windows 7 Ultimate and some of my most commonly used programs (players, codecs, etc.).

Some of you probably know that to create a partition image you will need special programs like Acronis True Image or Norton Ghost. Of course these programs may cost you some money, but they have many useful features and work perfectly. Today I will show you how to create backup image of hard disk partition in Windows 7 without installing any additional programs. Unlike commercial softwares the backup tool, that comes with Windows 7 is completely free and actually works well.

1. Go to Start Menu > Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore and then select Create System Image.

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2. Now the system will ask you to decide where you want to save the image. There are three options available. System image can be saved on different hard disk partition, on a multiple DVD’s, or on a network location. In addition the system will offer you the possibility to backup any other partition along with that containing your Windows system files.

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3. On the next screen you will have to confirm the partititons that will be backed up as well as the target location.

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4. Finally, to start the backup process just press the ‘Start backup’ button.
5. Now wait for the backup process to complete.

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6. After the process is complete you will be prompted to create system repair disc, containing  recovery tools, which can help you to recover your system from the image you have created.

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That’s all.