Warranty repair and backup for Vista Home Premium (VHP)

I hope this query makes sense.

Notebook going in for warranty servicing, replacement of fan.

I wish to store VHP system and Vista setup information on an external HDD.

Has anyone found a freeware or workaround to allow me to save and then restore my Vista settings and programs to a new default install of Vista?

I understand when my notebook is returned with a new fan, VHP will be at factory default status.

Files, documents and the like will already be on a backup HDD via Sync Toy 2.0.
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Am more concerned about the Vista setup and other aspects such as Windows Mail. Contacts, Windows Calendar, etc.

Will I have to reinstall all my programs and the like?

Suggestion welcome, use detailed instructions however, please.

Thanks in advance, Robert

I guess I am not sure what you are asking. You can make a backup image of your computer, or back up individual parts. I am assuming you know that.

So what exactly is your question?

~Lordbob

Thanks,
Besides something like Acronis True Image for everything, and Sync Toy 2.0 for documents and folders, is there a function within Vista to do this?

Or within Vista can I simply backup the system related settings?

I also wonder if it is suggested to reinstall everything and start anew?

Robert

Oh ok you want to back up your settings...
Ok, well Vista Ultimate comes with a built in backup program (which is not nearly as good as W7)

I am not entirely sure, and I usually just clean and reinstall and fix the settings over about 2 days, and I'm set. Its not too hard, but it gets annoying.

Try this Backup Files tutorial, it might help you.


~Lordbob

Somehow I agree it may be better to reinstall my programs and re set Vista with my ever developing knowledge.

Thanks for the link to the tutorial.

Thanks for your comments,
Robert

No problem. I always prefer a fresh install just to clean out all the crap.

~Lordbob

As in life.

Yeah I suppose. Sometimes that would indeed be nice....

Let us know what works.

~Lordbob

Thanks. Will do, just received shipping instructions for notebook to send it back to HP.

Will advise as time goes by.

Cheers,
RJL

Cool. Glad you got it working.

~Lordbob