Backing up to a 2nd computer

[stingray]

If I want to back up my data to a 2nd computer (rather than a replacement one), apart from My Documents, do I also need to back up C:\Documents and Settings\MyUserName in the hope of trying to keep some of the configs etc for some of my programs?

If yes, which files and folders do I back up, or should it be all of them except maybe not Temp and Temp Internet Files?

Also if yes, would I first need to install my programs on the 2nd computer before restoring these files/folders so's the program installation doesn't then overwrite them?

Is there anywhere else I should be looking for files/folders to back up so's to have configurations, preferences and settings without having to spend hours manually doing them all over again?

I use Express Assist for backing up Outlook Express, and that in itself backs up Favourites, Cookies, OE and IE preferences etc. For Dreamweaver, I use MM-Exporter that backs up DW settings and site definitions etc.

TIA for any advice anyone might have

[wedor]

Without the use of some third party software or logging in as a different user you cannot just copy the myusername folder over, you will get error messages that some of the files are in use. Merely copying to another system does not make your profile work there. What OS is on the second system?

[stingray]

Win XP SP1 on both computers. Same username (Admin) on both computers.

Whilst on the subject, what purpose does the Settings part of the Docs & Settings folder have other than to differentiate between users?

[wedor]

Merely copying the same username files over does not make you that user, that is not how XP handles this.

[pam123]

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;293118
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;306187
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;306186

It's possible that windows has already arranged to save you alot of trouble.
Check out the above links.

[RayH]

Get a copy of Drive Image, Ghost, or Acronis True Image.

[stingray]

Thanks to all

Unfortunately Files and Settings Transfer Wizard doesn't copy over settings etc from all programs and from what I've read in various places can be a bit of a problem at times and can even mess some things up...

Using Ghost etc is fine if I want an exact copy of my desktop drive on my laptop drive, which isn't quite what I was thinking of

I'll just have to keep on drilling and ploughing through various folders in Program Files and in Docs&Settings - Application Data and Local Settings to find the configs and settings