as far as i know you can but if the main drive fails how about a full stop once in a while? then you lose the backup a better solution is to back up to dvd it will probably take several but is far more secure as for how to create a hidden partion this should be documented in the help file of acronis you should also be able to download a manual from their web site another idea is to use a usb drive for the backup allthough it will take longer than an internal one if you have a spare drive bay it is quite easy to install a second drive your self especialy if you have a sata port simply put the drive in the bay secure with screws supplied connect a spare power connector and insert the data cable into the port on the mother board then into the drive if it is an ide drive you may have to position a jumper on the drive to set it to slave or master sata drives don`t require this before you star make sure the computer is uplug from the mains and not just switched off via the power button of the computer also make sure you discharge any stactic you may have by thouching a earthed piece of bare metal souch as a metal appliance (plugged into the mains) or the copper piping of a rad as this should also be earthed