I have reinstalled XP many times before, but it never seems to work like it used to. not knowing what unknown devices are what and getting the drivers for them.

I was wondering if anyone knows of any software or methods of simplifying the process? Especially when it comes to device drivers, like a way to back up the divers I currently have, and then reinstall them easilly.

Secondly, does anyone know of any decent freeware imaging software, so once I get my computer running again, I can just make a CD of the image, for the next time?

Final burner is pretty good.

nlite is the easiest way to make an image of a windows installation. You can integrate OS Service Packs, drivers etc. nLite - Deployment Tool for the bootable Unattended Windows installation

Hasten slowly my friend, a fast reinstall usually solves few problems. I made my own driver disk by downloading the latest on offer from the vendors, there aren't that many really after the basic inf, audio, video, etc. I found manufacturer disks are pants usually - even containing zipped files that are invisible to the driver install wizzard (why I ask?). I'm also a fan of doing a BIOS update regularly.
Al