kitekrazy1
If system imaging wasn't time consuming it would be a daily thing.
Also system restore is your friend. Usually restore points are created for new updates.
I agree with this.
I always make two system images monthly. One before, and one after, any Windows or Cakewalk update. Lately I have Windows and Cakewalk update around the same time to keep this simple. The image that I take after the updates is the one I will use to roll back if my system messes up later in the month, for reasons not related to the updates. If I have reason to suspect a problem with the updates, I will roll back to the pre-update image.
I have found Windows System Restore to be a hit or miss thing. I understand it is only supposed to back up the registry and system files. But it tends to break any applications you have installed since the restore point.
So for short term use, I usually create a restore point any time I install an app, if one is not made automatically. I think the farther back that you attempt to go back with System Restore, the messier it could get. Images are better for that purpose.
But System Restore can make the process of uninstalling an unwanted app cleaner. For example if you install an app that causes problems, or have a demo that you don't wish to keep on your system.
First uninstall the app using its uninstaller, then use System Restore to go back one step. Your Windows registry should be back just like it was prior to that last install, and all the crud that the app dropped in your registry should be gone too, even if the uninstaller failed to remove it all, as many do.