[Raapys]

True, but then you have to actually make regular backups, which will shortly become much more time consuming than simply reinstalling windows and your applications. It'd also consume a fair amount of disk space. I'd say the 2 hours or so that it takes to reinstall and configure your programs is acceptable for an event( disk failure ) that is unlikely to occur unless you don't plan to upgrade for ages or if you have a tendency to kick your computer case when losing in games.

Let's also not forget that hdd's are getting better and better in terms of reliability. Isn't the life expectancy of newer hdds like 5+ years now?