Setting up a system restore(similar to laptops) on desktop

[blacknemesist]

Hi.

So this is what I'd like to do:
I want to install my windows 7,office,photoshop,drivers and some other software on my HDD and then save everything in a separate partition of my disk so that if I want to restore my system to the point where I have everything installed and running I can boot from the disk partitions and get it all done.

Pretty much what laptops do with the system restore function on boot without needing a working OS.
Simply a boot that will get my windows 7,office,photoshop,drivers and some other software installed again.
Laptops have this function and I would like to have it on my desktop.

What software should I use?

Thanks in advance.

 

[alexoiu]

Hi, Acronis or similar for cloning the HDD. It's not similar to a laptop system restore, as you would have to boot from an Acronis CD.

 

[tripledouce]

you can try acronis or a ghost partition but the software cost money.

 

[zdbc13]

You can use the built in Windows backup but I suggest you use a separate disk. If your primary disk has your OS and backup, if you lose it the backup will be worthless.

 

[blacknemesist]

Best answer selected by blacknemesist.