Hi, the link you provided is to download Service Pack 3 it is not an image file of the complete Windows XP installation
If you want to make a disc image of your complete hard drives including Windows XP then you are best advised to consider using an application like
Ghost or Paragon or Acronis or similar paid for products.
As an alternative you could use one of the free disc imaging applications that are downloadable from the Internet.
I tend to use Acronis and with a bootable CD and an extra copy of my disc images kept safe on removable media (external hard drives) and located safely offsite, I can have my systems up and running again in less time than it takes to walk the dog!
Here's my "canned words" that may be of help on disc imaging.
Hi,
making a disc image, together with a bootable CD, verifying their integrity and keeping the images safe with an extra copy offsite on removable media is a wise and prudent strategy.
Windows, for example, now includes disc imaging in its latest versions as part of the operating system.
As to which is the best free disc imaging software……its a matter of personal preference, but if you have a look here:
http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/backupandimage.shtml
you should be able to obtain a good overview of some of the products and links are also provided to disc management utilities (to set up merge resize partitions etc.. )
Other products by Acronis, Paragon, etc are often provided free in CD/DVD's given away free with computer magazines from time to time. Otherwise its necessary to buy them. Most of the disc imaging applications come with instructions on how to make the bootable CD that you will need to boot your computer if Windows fails to load (despite your best efforts and using all the normal procedures to get it to boot) The bootable CD will allow you access to your external USB hard drive for example and boot your machine into a different operating system so that you may easily and quickly reimage.
Its always best to take your first full disc image when you know that your machine is running fast and sweet, with all appropriate Windows updates installed, with no virus or malicious elements present, with junk files deleted, all unneccessary or unwanted applications removed, fully defragged and with updated anti virus, firewall and anti spyware protections in place. Remember , if you make a disc image of an "infected or badly running system and then use it to reimage your hard drive you are just making things tough for yourself as the problems will just be reintroduced when you perform the reimage.
However, subject to the above paragraph if, at the moment, you do not have a disc image kept safe on removable media, then I recommend you make one immediately…….In the event that you hit serious trouble that cannot be resolved in a timely or cost effective way by the usual means, then you will be able to reimage and have your machines up and running in less time than it takes to walk the dog!
Regards
paws
