First I treat systems files differently from data . I ALWAYS have at least 2 drives - at least C and D - C is ALWAYS SYSTEM ONLY and data on D and up - NO DATA IS ALLOWED ON C! I always make data on my RAMDRIVE and back it up as soon as I am done with BATch files that put it in 5 different places on my PC and on my network. I also have BATch files using ROBOCOPY to SYNC UP detachable back-up media like USB sticks or drives. For system back up I use FARSTONE Total Recovery Tools - and simply wouldn't use anything else. It boots to its own OS from its own media (I use USB stick) and thus does a system backup free from windoze interference. Works for me.