any way 2 silently install it so that its pre configured & makes 1 backup

Silently installing it has been no problem - search the forums for "Acronis".

But pre-configuring it and making backups - no, not seen any info relating to that anywhere, shall report it here when I do get any info.

ya, sorry i didnt specify that too clearly.. i knew how 2 do it unattended.. just not make 1 backup

& yes do plz report back if u find anything <continues searching>

make a backup job, and then copy the script file located at %currentuser%\app. data\Acronis\TrueImage\Scripts, to the same loc. on target machine

This may not work since the scripts contain machine and hd specific data (therefor, IMHO a dangerous solution). TI Server would be a better choice if you have the $ due to the fact that it does have scripting for admins.

For settings, look in the reg @ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Acronis\TrueImage

Reg info is @ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Acronis\TrueImage\Settings

anyone know any other disk image utilities that are small & can do a backup upon first logon