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Want to create a system image

I am about to build a new PC. I am a windows 7 user. For years now I have been wanting to install windows and all my favorite software, music, etc., and then make a drive IMAGE and be able to go in 6 months later or WHENEVER I want to start fresh and completely format my drives and restore my IMAGE and have all my settings, programs, etc be just5 like when I created the original image.

I know there is many ways to do this but I have never done this 100% successfully and I have about a week to figure out how to do it perfectly for when I build my new PC.

I have heard good things about using tried Acronis true image in the PAST for doing what I describe4, I tried using it but, but the newer versions are overly complex and don't even seem to work the way I hoped.

I also see that Windows 7 has some sort of drive IMAGE creator itself as well. Does the newer Windows 7 image creator do what I am describing above? If it does do what I am asking for (complete drive image with windows, all programs and settings) saved to an IMAGE file that can easily be restored to ANY hard drive in the future?

Please share your experiences, tips, ideas on how to achieve this the easiest and most reliable way please