Windows XP - what do I need to back up?

[Taz]

I've currently got two hard drives in my system (C: and D. I've set the My Documents property value to point to the D: drive so everything in My Documents gets put onto the second drive. That also contains all my app installers. I will need to effectively reformat my C: drive to put Vista on it over the next few weeks. Apart from my Outlook local folders file, is there anything that I should back up from the C: drive? Perhaps the Documents and Settings folder (for my Favourites)?

[Behemoth]

Are you sure you want to go Vista ? Have you got any hardware that you suspect may not work ??

[UltraMagnus]

stick with xp

problem solved

[vinnyT]

As well as the Documents and Settings folder, backup any software you have downloaded and do not have physical disks for. Obviuosly, your data, if it isn't stored in your Documents and Settings folders.

Make sure you have any/all passwords/serial No.s to software (can be a pain to find that the one piece of sw that you use the most, is the one you can't find serial No. to).

If you play games, make sure you have a backup of the save folder, or you will have to play the levels all over again.

And, finally, stick with xp.

P.S. forgot to mention any music you have downloaded and paid for (through i-Tunes or other), make sure to back these up along with any licenses needed to play them.

[p4ul]

You could try a dual boot system? Install xp first then put vista on a seperate partition so you can try both out! This is what im using

I rather use xp for most stuff but i have to learn vista as its going to be around for a while! Also there are some games now that will only work for vista! :\

[UltraMagnus]

Also there are some games now that will only work for vista! :\

none that are really worth playing though.

and the only way to stop this happening more is to not get vista. perhaps then games companies (and perhaps even M$) will realise the error in their ways....

[JIM_BOB7813]

I backup:
Using Mozbackup
Firefox profile (including bookmarks)
Thunderbird profile + emails

My docs
Desktop
docs and settings\USERNAME\Application Data (some useful stuff in there for certain programs)
docs and settings\USERNAME\local settings\Application Data

Take a screenshot of your start menu so you know what programs you had installed. Work through Program Files uninstalling things that you have the installers for, see whats left.

[Taz]

Thanks for all the advice.

I think I just needed my Favourites folder and my Outlook folder from the C: drive. The 'My Documents' folder is already on the D: drive so things ain't too bad. The C: drive will be reformatted with the new OS and the D: drive will stay as it is so I should have everything I need to go ahead with the new build.