Best method to 'copy' a hard drive?

[Chaka of the Pakuni]

I'm getting ready to build a new system. In the past I've always just done a complete reformat and reinstall of the OS and programs. I really hate doing that.

I have a 150gig Raptor that I put the OS (WinXP Pro) and programs on. Then I have a 360gig and a 750gig drive for storage. I'd like to copy the contents of the Raptor onto the 750gig drive and then use the copy to install it back onto the Raptor once the new system is built.

Make sense? Can I do this? SHOULD I do this? If yes, what program should I use?

Thanks for any info.

[Araris]

You can, just copy your files over from your Raptor to the second hard drive (it will probably take a few minutes to copy everything you want saved). Personally I always wipe my HDs when I do a reformat (every 1-2 months) since your computer always performs best right after a clean install.

[Chaka of the Pakuni]

Yes, but I don't want to just copy files over. I want to make an image of the drive.

[Deathbringer]

I personally would avoid copying any system related or system files over to the new or backup drive.
I would just put into one folder all the items you need to or want to keep and then copy those over.
If you do need an image of your drive the best software by far I have found is Acronis True Image. It will actually allow you to mount tje old drive image as another drive and pull things off later, if say you forgot about something important.

Theres my two cents.