2 Back up Questions Before Upgrading - Please

Before going to 10.4.8 -
I have an external hard drive with 3 partitions. Each partition has a Disc Utility bootable clone of one of my Macs (all G4's). Each clone is about 6 weeks old and I'd like to make them current (and most certainly bootable) before updating to 10.4.8, just in case.
So, here's my 2 questions:
1. Do I erase each partition before doing the new clone, OR do I simply click on Restore in Disc Utility, put the Source and Desitination volumes in the correct panes and then eecute the Restore command letting Disc Utility write over the existing clones, OR do I click on Restore and put the Source and Desitination volumes in the correct panes and go letting it write over the existing clones but check the "Erase Destination" box first?
2. In case I have issues with 10.4.8 that I can't troubleshoot, and I need to go back, do I do a clean install of 10.4 and then clone back, or what is the exact procedure to getting a Mac back to its prior state with all prefernces and data and so forth the same as before (and of course back to an earlier OS) from a clone? I'd really like to get some detailed instructions on how to do this so I can print them out ahead of time.
Thanks in advance, and Cheers!
iMac CDRW Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Hi
There have been problems with individual files in the cloning process on some Macs. Once this occurs you will find that all cloning utilities choke on the same file. Retrospect will skip the file but others will just stop. If you see the FAQ on the SuperDuper! page you will see how you can exclude a folder from the clone, and avoid the problem. If you do not use the Dutch localisation of iTunes I would also try dragging the offending folder to the Desktop, launch iTunes and check that it is working properly, and if everything is ok delete the folder. Your clone should then go without problem.
I also see that you have multiple threads running about this problem, with different information on each thread. This is not helpful! If you have Retrospect then you are best off using that app to achieve what you want. It is by far the most sophisticated backup app, and only need be avoided by those who crave simplicity.
Edit: As an addendum to that, Retrospect, SuperDuper!, SilverKeeper and other cloning apps can update your clones very quickly (SuperDuper! typically takes 10 minutes to update my clone). Disk Utility on the other hand does not have this ability. You would need to do a fresh clone each time you use it, and that takes a great deal longer (depending on your Mac and data 1½-2 hours is normal.
Matthew Whiting
Matthew Whiting

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