Backing up files b4 fresh xp install

[spoon]

Hi, i recently upgraded my win98 system to XP Pro. However, the registry settings for a lot of my programs have been killed by the upgrade so i have decided to jus do a fresh install. However, i need to back up a few files, especially my outlook (express) files. Which directories do i need to backup for my outlook data before formatting my partition?

I also have some other questions regarding the fresh install:

1. I'm thinking of networking my 2 other comps(win98 systems).
Is it better to format my partition as FAT32 or NTFS?

2. I have 2 partitions on a 40 gig drive (20gigs each). I can clear out all contents on my non-boot partition (d: ). Would it work if i jus copy all the contents of c: to d: as temporary backup, format c:, reinstall xp and jus grab wutever data i need from d:, and if everything works reformat d:?

3. Is having a dual boot system any use at all?

Thanks

[glc]

1. Doesn't matter - NTFS is more robust, but FAT32 is faster.

2. Excellent idea.

3. Yes, under certain conditions. I used to dual boot 98 and NT, but now that I have 2K I don't, everything I need works fine in 2K.

I don't know where OE 6 parks all your stuff, but the way it used to be was the address book was a .wab file, and your mail folders were .dbx files buried about 6 subdirectories under Windows in your "identity" folder.

[lil Jimmie]

1. I prefer NTFS over FAT32, I’ll take stability over speed any day.

2. As GLC said, “Great idea!”

3. I multi boot for educational reasons, I have XP Pro, 2000 Pro and 2000 Server on my PC. The wife has XP home, 2000 Pro and Advanced Server on her PC. My daughter has Windows ME and 2000 Pro. If you don’t need it don’t do it.