DriveImage XML isn't the only free drive imaging software on the market anymore and there are slicker solutions now available from Easeus and others, but for quick and simple imaging it fits the bill perfectly. It also has a much lighter footprint on your system than the competition.

Most programs will suggest removable media for the image destination, but DriveImage XML defaults to the Windows documents folder. Also, the program doesn't check to see if there's enough space on the destination drive for the image before embarking on the operation. I had the process fail once due to a lack of room on the destination drive.

DriveImage XML also copies one drive to another and features both volume locking and volume shadow copy imaging. It will also run from Runtime's own free recovery CD or the BartPE CD for disaster recovery. Images can be split for easy storage on CDs, or one large file.

Once you're used to its minor drawbacks, DriveImage XML works well and is reliable. Few users will need anything more.

—Jon L. Jacobi