Windows 7: What to backup before formatting?

I have just had a rootkit virus. Which I removed using TDSKiller.
Unfortunately I have lost a number of Windows "functions"

1. Windows Update doesn't work.
2. Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is not in the services list
3. Windows Update Service is not in the services list
4. When using netsh I get WSHELPER.DLL is missing

and there may be other things that I haven't noticed yet.

So I'm guessing that I need to reformat the disk and install Windows again

Is there anyway to do a backup so that not only the data is saved but also the programs
and the restore everything?

Or do I need to install all programs again?

Or (hoping here) is there someway to not format the disk and fix windows?

// Anders
Windows 7 32-bit Ultimate
Dell Vostro 1720

Hello Anders,

Since you had or still may have a virus, you wouldn't be able to restore everything since that would just restore you back to how you are now with possibly the virus.

I'd recommend to manually copy and paste any files that you wish to keep into another location (HDD or partition). Afterwards, do a clean install of Windows 7, reinstall all drivers and programs, then copy back your files.

A clean install will help to make sure that you start clean and virus free.

You can backup data and programs by making an image.

But that image will contain whatever virus is on the C partition at the time the image was made.

So, an image of an infected partition won't do you much good.

If you cannot be certain you are virus-free, you may have to do a clean install---which means reinstalling all programs.

Ok, I thought it was so, but without asking you never know!

I have been lucky and this is the first virus I have got (used computer since before the PC was invented). So I just have to bite the sour apple (not sure this is the phrase. English isn't my native language)...

I'm using MS Backup to save all my data. Can't see any difference in that compared to copying manually?

Thanks for the swift answers!
This forum is the best!!

// Anders

You're most welcome. Please let us know how it went.

There's a chance that Windows Backup may get corrupted or may not include what you need in it id not set properly by mistake. Especially since you may have a virus and unknown issues with Windows that may prevent restoring the backup.

Manually copying and pasting the files are always reliable since you can just copy them back.

I had to buy a new disk to store the data...
I have now also manually copied all data to this new disk (just to be sure!!!)

Since doing a clean install means a lot of work installing and configuring a lot of programs I thought I take a chance on making an inplace reinstall first. If it works, GREAT, if not well then I need to do a clean install...

// Anders

Do a clean install. Follow the guide from Gregrocker here:
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
I've just done it and the result is amazing. You won'r regret it!