The (250gb) hard disk on my grandson's newish Dell was indicating that it was about to die (appropriate messages on boot up).
Called Dell who said they would replace it under warranty and install Windows Vista OS on the disk, and nothing more.....
I asked if I could keep the disk to try to back up the data, they said I could have it for a week after the new one was installed.
Bought copy of Acronis TI 2010 online and new 320gb hard drive (eBay).
Put new hard disk in PC and attached old disk via USB and HD Caddy. Fired up PC with Acronis Boot Disc in CD, followed the instructions and cloned old disc to new disc (took 24 hours or so).
Result is that the PC now boots up with no problems on a 320gb disc with all his old stuff (including Flight Simulator and other software). We have a new 250gb disc in case of emergency from Dell, and a suspect disc still awaiting collection by Dell!!
Well done Acronis.