Before you attempt to do anything else, make a complete image of your
hard drive. Make sure that your disk imaging software will allow you to
recover individual folders and files as well as the entire image.
Then see if you can run your OS installation software in 'Repair' mode.
If you can, you may end up fixing what ever your problem is, without
needing to reinstall any software.
If that doesn't work, maybe you might have to reinstall the OS. Are you
absolutely sure that the only solution to your problem is a complete
re-install? Positive? Absolutely Positive? If so:
Just because you have copies of all your installed programs does NOT
mean that you can merely copy them onto the newly installed OS.
You will have to re-install almost all of your programs. For this you
need the Original installation programs, including protection keys,
either on disks or saved elsewhere.
Good luck,
-- Keith
BTW, I have been using PC's since the very first IBM ones. Probably
owned a couple of dozen since then. The only time I have had to
reinstall an OS was when I lost my first HD more than 25 years ago.
Since then, I make drive images and/or use other work arounds.
On 9/7/2010 02:36, reinsley wrote:
Hi,
IMO, before to format, save your My documents files ( it's another
name under Vista, the file containing all your personnal documents),
save your bookmarks ( IE or Firefox), save your Outlook settings
(address book contacts, settings accounts) Emails as well if needed,
but they are on ISP's server.
Save the other application files such as AB, into c:\Program Files.
Your formulas, your databases, etc. are there.
Then format the disk, and start from scratch, install vista. Don't
forget the drivers.
Install all your applications. Printer and gadgets...
Restore your My documents, and AB formulas, AB databases.
You can do a todolist of the actions before to start. You update this
document as and when you did it.
Next install you update your technical notes, the order to proceed,
the things forgotten. It's a good way to never miss a step.
When everything is running fine for a while, you know what is worth to
backup from time to time. :)
Best regards
Le 07/09/2010 00:44, Anthony Faragasso a écrit :
I need to re-install windows Vista to correct several issues I am
having...
I purchased an external Hard drive...How do I move all programs and
files to the external hard drive and then move
them back to the computers internal hard drive after re-installing
the operating system ?
I do not think just backing up the internal hard drive will preserve
all programs...some programs I do not
have disks for...
Help...
thank you
Anthony
