Tool to convert partition into image for restoration?

hi,
i have a machine with 1 hard disk that has 2 partitions of 20 GB each; im looking for a tool that create a bootable image of my active and primary partition so that if i have to rebuild my machine with new OS and relevant software then i need to install everything from start.

i tried norton ghost and true image from acronis but i was not able to use it properly due to lack of usage.

what i want is simply a tool that can create a bootable image of my active partition so that i can restore a preinstalled WinXP with ms office from the image to save time and efforts.

thanks in advance,