Cloning my computer.

I ran Fast Duplicate File Finder on my desktop and discovered that I have 3491 groups of duplicates containing over 18K files...just in 'My Documents'! Before I start doing anything with these files, I thought that I clone or backup my pc. I have read that XXClone is a good program. If I use XXClone, can I clone my pc unto an external 500GB hard drive which I have. It already has a few backups on it, both from my desktop and laptop, but there should be enough space. Once I make the clone, is there anything else that I need to do to make sure that I can 'put the clone back' to my pc from the external HD in case of an emergency? Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

All I want to know is what I need to do if my computer crashes and how do I get all backups installed and back to normal. Thanks.

 

I assume it will provide me with the steps to do the job.

 

OK Thanks. Any free programs?