that is the whole point you use the image program to capture the image before something happens, then should you have any issues with the pc you simply reload the saved image and you are back to the time the image was taken just like a snapshot so you do want to do the occasional image backup so you have somewhat recent images. That way you are not just backing up your documtents and files you are also backing up your entire windows operating system fully updated and all your settings etc. You never want to wait till it is too late to do any type of backup. If you had to do a regular re-install that would mean you would need either your windows cd or the recovery cd that will bring it all the way back to how it was when you bought it which means you would need to do a LOT of updating of the operating system, redo all your settings then go through all your files and data and insert them in. Imaging is the fastest way to go and much easier in the long run. I use my external drive only when I need it I do not leave it connected. It can be left connected if you choose to do it that way. I use ADRIVE online storage, they provide 50Gig free storage over that you purchase. http://www.adrive.com/

each thumb flash drive will say what it holds for example it might hold 4 gig or 8 gig or less or more. It depends on what type files you will be storing, picture and video files are very large so will take up much more room than just text or document files. go to the folder of the files you want to backup to the thumb drive and right click on it and choose properties it will tell you exactly how much is contained in that folder so you would know you need a flash drive that is big enough to hold that much at least. I think 4 gig is a nice size and they are fairly inexpensive. I buy 4 gig Kingston drives at Big Lots all the time for $12. You can buy them at walmart, best buy, or any stores that sell electronics and computer stuff. I stick with the name brand ones like Kingston, San disk, corsair etc. Here is the link to some over at buy.com Results Within Our Stores general guide for using one Overview of How to use a USB Flash Drive

Try this: right-click My Computer and choose Manage. From the window which appears, click Disk Management. The right side of the window will now list the available drives on your computer. You'll see Disk0 Basic (which should be your main hard drive). If you have a zip drive installed, it's probably Disk1. Your flash drive will be listed below your hard drive and zip drive. Look for Removable and the size of your flash drive. It should say something like 256MB or 512MB. It may also describe your flash drive (model, manufacturer) to the right. Once you've found it in the list, right-click once on it and choose Change Drive Letter and Paths. NOTE: Make sure you are changing your flash drive and not another drive. If you're changing something called C: or D: or E:, STOP and reconsider. Then click the Change button and choose a new drive letter for your flash drive. Choose something like Z or Q or Y or X. If you're not sure what drive letter to use, open up My Computer and pick something NOT already listed there. Once you've changed the drive letter, save your changes and exit the window. Your drive should now be displaying under My Computer with the new drive letter.

Take a look at the rather long article linked below, it may offer some help. When reading this take a closer look at the photo where he/she has the front connector plugs that fits on the motherboard and his hand showing. You see those 2 connectors off to the left? There really seems to be no place for those on some motherboard yet they need to be connected. Near the end of the article is a troubleshooter Here is a link that might be useful: Front USB connections