Cloning/Ghosting/Imaging Software - What's the simplest?

I want to get the SIMPLEST (not the most features) Imaging software so when my new Vista laptop arrives I can create a clone in it's installed state to a USB harddrive.

I just want to:
1) Install the Imaging software
2) Choose Iamge location as a USB drive
3) Click a "Go" button
4) Create Recovery CD - if one doesn't come with the software.

Any help much appreciated.

 

I would download the trial version of Acronis TrueImage and create the bootable CD (you can do this in advance). I always feel more compforable with running the cloning from CD rather than within Windows (which will still want to reboot to do the work). Cloning is one of the options within TrueImage and the automatic option should meet your needs - it will scale up any partitions. Leave the original HDD as it is - you can use it if you hit any problems.

Vista will detect the new HDD and will want to be reactivated.

John

 

There should be recovery dvd's that come with your notebook. If not, you usually have to burn them yourself. These discs will restore it to its exact factory state.

But if you wanna make an image anyway then use acronis true image as John said above. Its free for 30days

 

I am a neophyte when it comes to imaging - but I have taken on this exact system - Acronis TI 11 as a boot-able CD to do all of my imaging and backup. The CD even has disk cleaning tools that offer about 7 different level of disk-wiping. I cleaned and re-formatted a partition last night for the first time with TI 11 and it worked great. It is not slam-dunk simple, you actually have to think a little - just a little - but their instructions are pretty darn good.

 

i agree w/ John,, Acronis true image is about as simple as it can get, and has been very effective in my experience....