Need disc imaging software advice

[libbykino]

I'm installing a new HD into a raid array this weekend, so I'm going to need to backup my entire boot drive and then restore it to the new array after I've wiped the old drive and set everything up.

I'm looking for software that will do this for me, and I was led to Acronis True Image which will certainly do what I need, but I have no need for all of the other features it comes with and that I must pay for. Is there free software that will accomplish the same thing? I'm running Windows 7 Professional, and I know it's capable of making its own backup files, but to be honest I don't really trust those files since I'm not entirely sure what is and is not being backed up. Any suggestions?

 

[serpretetsky]

heard good things about this one:
http://clonezilla.org/

I've personally used this
http://odin-win.sourceforge.net/
in combination with bart pe:
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

I don't know if either of those will have drivers for your raid setup right away. (i doubt bart pe does...)

edit: if you're using windows 7 you can also go to control panel -> backup and restore -> create system image + create system repair disc
you boot to the system repair disc first and then you can eject it and either load in the dvd's for the image or connect an external or what not.

 

[Drudenhaus]

I'll second Clonezilla.