I am running windows vista 64bit and I want to clone my harddrive so i don't have to reinstall os and common programs every time there is a problem. I have Virtual Clonedrive, but I don't have anything that can make an iso image of a harddrive. can you put harddrive images onto cd/dvds besides virtual drives? what kind of software is out there to accomplish this (freeware preferred)?
i keep everything on my C drive. my D drive has a factory image on it. should i backup my normal files along with OS and programs files when i make an iso image? or is there a way to just get the os and programs files?

There are plenty of disk cloning and imaging tools. If you have a Seagate harddrive you can even get a version of Acronis True Image for free called Seagate DiscWizard.

As for free tools with no brand limitations, I suggest you take a look at Macrium Reflect FREE Edition.

im not sure if this will run on vista but.. here is a program i use alot

it is very simple, very small, and works very well

i havent tried the others suggested, but if they work better use them
a quote i often think of with this program.....

"US spends $10 million on a pen that write in zero gravity..
Russians solve this problem with 10 cent pencil"

I use Acronis but I have seen XXCLONE recommended often.
http://www.xxclone.com/

oops, no Vista

agreed lol

Acronis works great for me unless they changed it you can even do it with there trial version as long as the time has not run out.