Is there a way to safely test a new BIOS?

[TheNiceGuy]

I have just made my first build below . I have run into a few issues I have fixed, and a couple I haven't:

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...7&threadid=1491312
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...9&threadid=1486457
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...6&threadid=1491307

Anyways, I was wondering if there is a way to back things up or run safely before a major change. I have had several lockups so far that required a total reformat/reinstall/reconfigure and many hours of my time! I am making restore points as I go along, but thats all I know how to do.
Any recommendations?

 

[compso]

MS VPC 2004, Acronis TrueImage 8, Nero BackItUp, SyncBack, are all good apps for backing up.

 

[TheNiceGuy]

Thxs Compso-
Looks like I have my homework cut out for me.