Internal Cloned backup drive

[Magusigne]

I've seen similar questions asked but I was wondering if this is a decent idea?

My wife has expressed concerns over pictures and what not on my hard drive. I recently (Today) just purchased a 320gb hitachi deskstar internal drive to clone my 500gb spinpoint too (only 300gb used).

Would it be a fair assumption that it would optimal to use this drive in the following manner: Install drive, use vista ultimate to create a clone of my normal drive and put it onto the hitachi, remove the deskstar and put it in a lockbox?

This would be better than just leaving the HD powered as a backup drive in the computer correct? (I have a surge protector and Burglary is not a primary concern).

 

[Gillbot]

I keep an old IDE drive in an external USB case with all my files copied to it as a backup. Then I just put it away and pull it out every so often to archive to.

 

[Magusigne]

So storing away the unpowered Sata drive is a pretty decent bet?

 

[Gillbot]

I have yet to have an issue with any of my drives after years of storage and infrequent use, though it's always a good idea to check/test them every so often just in case.

 

[imported_BadBlock]

A magnetic drive stored away under normal temperatures and humidity is reasonably safe, make sure to put it in an anti-static bag.

If it's really critical use multiple media, like a magnetic drive in anti-static bag, and good dvdr like Taiyo Yuden in a container that won't allow light in.
You could do a flash drive as well but if it is for years the flash drive may be unreadable after a while if never written to since the individual cells leak electrons over time, current estimates are 10 years but no one really knows.