XXClone is a very easy-to-use app for cloning a system drive while still in Windows. It’s been faster than Macrium Reflect for me, and Macrium’s free version doesn’t support incremental backups. After the initial copy, synching the new changes is obviously a lot quicker than re-cloning the entire drive.

One downside is that you can’t get rid of the confirmation dialog in the free version – which puts the kibosh on scheduling with command line switches. Cloning a drive on a schedule is definitely the best way to cover your butt, and it may be worth paying for in your case.

For me it’s the initial clone with all the vital apps that matters. If I remember to do a few incrementals here and there, GREAT. If not, well, it’s the data that’s most important and I think I’ve got that covered.