I rarley back a system backup disk, but do backup key files and such using some 3rd party automated backup software.

If I’m buying a unit that comes pre-installed OS’ I wipe it clean first thing. I can’t stand all that prebundled stuff. The trouble with that is that you don’t know exactly what’s included on the “Drivers and Programs Disk”. Sometimes that disk has only an install ALL or NONE feature, or wickedly named applications. How would you know what xpdq.exe is?? Got myself in trouble a few times with that, and had to spend a few hours at manufacturer web sites for drivers and such.

I would like to experiment using image software sometime. Just haven’t had the time to do that yet.