Is there a need to backup C drive?

[peek a boo]

or just personal data? I just bought a new laptop so need to backup the hard drive?

 

[jtjt00]

Do create recovery dvd in case your OS corrupted and can't boot.

 

[davidktw]

or just personal data? I just bought a new laptop so need to backup the hard drive?

It depends on how easy you want your recovery to be

 

[PC-User]

I personally would prefer a periodical clone of the entire OS after a registry clean up/fix/defrag + disk clean up/defrag...

 

[mrsun18]

or just personal data? I just bought a new laptop so need to backup the hard drive?

I think what you need to know can be found here:
HowStuffWorks "How to Back Up a Hard Drive"

 

[Louisloo]

Backup of your C drive will allow you to quickly reload the whole systems including installation of programs, activation codes and personal settings without the need to reinstall them individually in case of failure.

Of course, personal data backup is a must if they are important to you.