"Bruce J. Richman" wrote


Also, if either this software or some other that can
essentially make a "copy" of the entire hard drive
is available, please let me know.

Your XP-Home has a backup program...
start/accessaries/system tools/backup.


I seem to recall reading a newspaper article about
several different "ghosting" or "imaging" (I think those
were the terms) programs that essentially can make
a "copy" of the entire hard drive, including programs
needed to boot up the computer.
Unfortunately, I do not recall the programs being referenced.

Norton System Pro has Norton Ghost which has a
host of features. It is also available as a stand alone
program. I have it but have never used it.
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal/