system reinstall: backing up data - pls help

gotan

Dell are planning to reinstall my XP as well as changing the motherboard yet again on my Inspiron.
Other than my documents, photos, is there anything not obvious (I am no techie) that I should back up that I will lose?
Is backing up on CD sufficient for an easy reinstall afterwards?

What do I do about iTunes (will I lose all my saved music or is it web based), Napster and Norton Anti Virus, which I installed from a download - no disc.

many thanks. I am nervous about this as am sure do not have the original CDs of some software either.

Any tips on what to do once the new OS is installed much appreciated too.

JonnyThunder

Stuff i'd back up....

• Pictures, music and documents
• Outlook express mail store (if you use outlook)
• The favourites folder in your profile

If you downloaded Norton and other things, and your license is still valid you should be able to re-download it from their website. At a push you may need to contact their tech support.

Stuff i'd do afterwards...

• Install all windows updates (may need to run it more than once)
• Install any AV updates until it's up to date
• Maybe take an image of your installation

Also consider downloading all your drivers before you let your PC go. Especially the network / modem drivers. Having them in advance is a big help.

albertross_2

Why do they need to reinstall?

http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm

Little_John

I would try to avoid backing up to CD or DVD, the reason being that the ISO 9660 standard will rename any files with long file names. as most music tracks have now.

libra10

I back up Favourites etc, as mentioned. Also Roboform data and OE Address Book. Use a USB pen drive for back ups, no problems so far

gotan

albertross wrote: »

Why do they need to reinstall?

http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm

I have a 1 yr NBD onsite warranty and Dell are fed up with the niggling issues that keep occurring. It has got worse since they replaced the motherboard. eg audio and printer only work after rebooting. As soon as I put PC into standby, they no longer work when I start it up again. Plus click on a tray icon and it won't disappear. Small, annoying stuff.

I don't know anything about computers so afraid I don't follow exactly what the runtime link is suggesting I do?

More stupid qs for which I apologise - how do I back up my favourites in firefox or IE and how do I back up my old email accounts in Outlook and OE. I have had 3 different ISPs since owning this PC and need to copy everything. No time to sift out what's worth keeping.
Dell are coming after the weekend.