formatting and installing new os-xp

[tshall]

I presently have me and am going to reformat and install the full version of xp home. I have stomp backupmypc and it's been years since I reformatted my hd, but I remember it was very painfull getting everything back in correctly. I have a slave drive that I can back up to if that's the recommended way. Should I select everything except the windows registry and windows system? Will that keep my network and everything intact. I have satellite and I'm pretty certain that there is some kind of software for the bridge. A little guidance would be very much appreciated. TIA.

[doctorgonzo]

When you reformat and reinstall the OS, it's best to backup your data only. As you install and uninstall programs over time, things like DLL files, registry entries, and the like build up over time. The purpose of a format and reinstall is to get rid of all of this stuff. So back up your data, and make sure you have all the software available that you need to reinstall.

[tshall]

Thanks doctorgonzo, somehow I knew that was going to be the recomendation. A clean install is always the best, but oh, it can hurt. Thanks again.

ps can't remember how to backup my contacts list and my email????