What do I have to back up before I re-install?
Solution 1:
- Password database (e.g. PasswordSafe)
- Accounting data (Quickbooks, ACCPAC, Pastel)
- Any important account / login details
- Paypal
- Online banking
- E-mails
- Calendar, appointments
- All documents (word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, PDF)
- Video, audio files
- Any media library databases (Windows Media Player e.g.)
- Serial numbers / details for unlocking purchased software
- Downloaded software
- Device drivers
- Browser bookmarks
- Databases (MS Access, SQL)
I recommend a program like SpaceMonger (there are free equivalents, I just prefer this program) which will scan your entire drive, and can present a list of all files by type. Then simply go through the file types that are important and you shouldn't miss too much.
As for registry settings etc, I haven't tried it, but it may be worth looking into the built-in files and settings migration wizard in Windows.
Solution 2:
Personally, I never reinstall without taking a full disk image of my existing OS...onto an external USB drive usually so it stays out of the way of your reinstallation.
So many times, I have needed something that wasn't in the directories I would have manually backed up.
Good hard drive imaging software would be Acronis True Image or Norton Ghost.
Usually with these programs, you can browse through a copy of the image afterwards from your new OS and just pick out the particular files you need without having to restore the entire image.
Solution 3:
I backup:
- my drivers, making installing easier (and browserless)
- my antivirus installer!
- program installers that are worth re-installing (or download them again)
- program settings that only require copying folders
- documents/pictures and other random files that aren't on a different drive
- PST files so I don't have to redownload or lose email
- browser settings like bookmakers (yes yes I should get that done online!)
That's about it
Edit: thanks for the email comment