How detailed does a Norton Ghost image get?

[RMskater]

I was wondering this because I've been having alot of annoying problems with my computer. I've been forced (not just having trouble, but FORCED) to reinstall my OS (Windows XP w/SP2) at least 7 different times in the last 3 months on my computer. I'm getting very frustrated with doing this, as I have to reinstall each program I want on it everytime. Now this may not sound that bad, but when you're installing huge programs like Photoshop, the Macromedia MX series, and other large programs, it can get very annoying. Especially with the programs that you have to restart the computer to fully utilize it, like Nero, the Norton series, and Alcohol. Now my question is this. How detailed are the Ghost images (taken with Norton Ghost)? I just finished reinstalling everything for the umpteenth time, and I have ghosted it (taken an image). I am wondering how detailed does Ghost get? If I were to replace my video card (and give my existing one away), and then restore my computer with the ghosted image I just created, what would happen? Could I restore another computer, like a laptop with this ghosted image? You know, so the laptop (or other computer) is exactly like my ghosted computer. Or does the image record absolutely everything like what kind of computer it is, what motherboard, processor, HDD, amount of RAM, etc. that was on the computer when it was ghosted? Not to appear rude, but please, only people with substantial guesses (in other words, you have had similar experiences, or experiences that allow you to answer parts of this question). If I want speculation, then I can do that. Does anyone have any gtuesses with backed up experience, or know enough of how Ghost works to give an educated guess? Finally, if my computer does happen to go down again and I need to reinstall the OS (then Ghost, then restore the image, etc.), after I restore the computer with the image, will it be as if I just turned my computer on right after I had ghosted it? (in other words, basically turn back the clock for my computer and make it as if my computer was just like it is now)? Thanks so so much!!! A very frustrated, computer lover/hater/wanna smash it to bits computer user, Ethan

[26242]

Okay, I have Norton Ghost.. from my expierience I can tell you that ghost does an EXACT copy of the drive! I have a fairly new computer, and I quite often play around with Linux on it (dangerous stuff when you're messing with the partition table!) .. And, before I do anything I ghost it! And, when I mess something up (quite a few times), I simply restore it and my dad can't even tell I've used it! HAHA! It works great! Unfortunetly, I can't speculate on whether or not it would be friendly to hardware changes. But, (yes, I know, I am risking setting you off with speculation) when I had a modem in my computer, ghosted it, and had to remove the modem and restore it, Windows just recognized it as a hardware change! As long as you don't change more than 3 things (due to WinXP activation) there shouldn't (i use this with extreme hesitation) be a problem! Hope that helps!

[richh0323]

I have had good luck with Acronis True Image, we use it all the time in our company to back up all our computers and servers. http://www.acronis.com/