http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756 That support topic should be your best friend if you are running XP.
You can also use a tool called SystemPropertiesProtection if you are using vista / 7. That can be accessed by right clicking your "my computer", going into system protection tab, and then doing a manual restore.
These guidelines I outlined are for registry protection. If you want to do a full backup, I believe you can install NTBACKUP on your system and do it that way.
Another solution that I have used in the past is norton ghost. Great software but rather expensive(You don't seem to have a prob with software expenses......).
Good luck and if you need anymore help post back.
You can also use a tool called SystemPropertiesProtection if you are using vista / 7. That can be accessed by right clicking your "my computer", going into system protection tab, and then doing a manual restore.
These guidelines I outlined are for registry protection. If you want to do a full backup, I believe you can install NTBACKUP on your system and do it that way.
Another solution that I have used in the past is norton ghost. Great software but rather expensive(You don't seem to have a prob with software expenses......).
Good luck and if you need anymore help post back.