Backup or Clone Before Return? Rootkit Backup?

[dsf7]

Has anyone tried to backup their 7 before doing a return? It seems that rootkit has a function to backup but I am unclear if you have to root it first (I would rather not do that). Also, in one rootkit video, they don't recommend the backup. I am wondering if you can clone to a different device or if there are hardware/software/setup issues that make cloning impractical (e.g. something in the OS that is tied to the hardware serial number or whatever).

Any information on the potential pitfalls of the rootkit backup functions would be appreciated. I would love to not have to reinstall everything again.