[rmorgan63]

I currently have windows vista (hate it) on my system and I want to install Windows 7. My question is this, what is the best way to back up my entire system using an external hard drive and what is a reliable and not to expensive external hard drive system available, say around $100 - 200?

Here are my specs on my system:
Tech Support Guy System Info Utility version 1.0.0.2
OS Version: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium, Service Pack 2, 32 bit
Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) 9600 Quad-Core Processor, x64 Family 16 Model 2 Stepping 2
Processor Count: 4
RAM: 3325 Mb
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 520, 1024 Mb
Hard Drives: C: Total - 465674 MB, Free - 97852 MB; D: Total - 11264 MB, Free - 3222 MB;
Motherboard: ECS, MCP61PM-GM
Antivirus: Microsoft Security Essentials, Updated and Enabled

[black-wolf]

The best way to do this is to buy an enclosure or docking station (make sure they have their own power source) and buy a HDD to put in it. The only thing that you will be able to keep is documents, pictures, music, etc. All programs will have to be reloaded into Win7.
Here are some enclosures http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...sure&x=16&y=16

[rmorgan63]

Thanks for the input black-wolf. I am considering all aspects. Want to make sure that I am doing it right. My problem is that I am still in the novice stage,but slowly moving forwards so you can see why I am checking all aspects. Hope you understand.
Now, all I have to do is to decide on which HDD to pick along with the ext case. Got any clues as to which one that would be good to use?

[black-wolf]

HDD's I only use Western Digital Black or RE. The also have 5 year warranties.
The enclosure isn't as important, I would buy one of these.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817173043
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817173042

[rmorgan63]

Thanks for the input, I have saved the two links for future. Now, I have another question for you and I hope you don't mind me asking. I have saved a previous hard drive from a previous Gateway desktop that used 98 Windows 2nd addition. It is a "Maxtor", DiamondMax Plus 9 120GB ATA/133 HDD. I also have a "Maxtor" Model 92732U8 HDA 08A PCBA 07A Unique 11A Code RA530JNO that is a 27.3 GB drive. Can I use either one of these as a backup and will they fit in either one of the external cases?

[DoubleHelix]

According to your specs, you have over 350GB of data. Even a well-compressed backup will not fit on a 120GB drive.