How do I backup my hard drive for replacement?

I am in need of replacing the hard drive on my pc as it is gradually deteriorating. I have purchased a replacement hard drive but am wondering how to go about backing up all of the data, programs and updates that are currently installed. When I put in the new hard drive I will be doing a fresh install of windows XP but do not want to go through the hassle of having to download all of the updates.How do I backup my hard drive for replacement?If you use Norton Ghost you will get a flawless copy to an external drive. Then just restore to the internal. Create a boot disk that will allow a restore to the empty internal. No muss no fuss. I use it all the time.How do I backup my hard drive for replacement?use a external hard driveHow do I backup my hard drive for replacement?any back up programs such as:

1- Acronis true image back up

2- Norton Ghost



will creat a back up file in any another hard drive or partition and creat a bootable cd for cases of crashes

you need another partition of your hard drive or another hard drive.

to make partition in your current hard drive you need a partition magic program

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