At minimum, use Windows' backup program, and save the backup file to DVD/CD.

Also, XP's System Restore can be quite useful (although granted, it won't be able to retain forever your "fresh install state").

There are disk imaging utilities on the market, like Drive Image, Acronis True Image, that allow you to save images of your disk.
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Maurice N
MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
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"Putty" <gambolputty@alt.anonymous.messages> wrote in message news:kc0572tu08ed4b49rbvbuik6kln82ie4cb@4ax.com...