What do I need to back up before factory resetting my laptop?

I access Hotmail through my browser.

Okay, thanks for the information.

You're welcome. Holler if you need any further help with the process.

Just a quick follow up.

Once I have set my laptop back to factory default all I do is stick in the disc to put on the OS then plug in my external HDD to copy everything back?

Anything I need to be wary of?

Thanks

You just have to start the Easy Transfer software, click the option that this is your new computer, then select the external drive the Easy Transfer file is on. Then you can choose what to restore or just restore everything. Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers may be helpful reading.

The problem there is that I had lot's of GB to backup so I didn't select anything I already had a copy of when I was creating the Easy Transfer File. So I couldn't just select the File as that wouldn't restore everything.

I'm guessing I should just be able to copy those files across no problem though.

As long as I have a copy of everything I can worry about getting it back on later.

Yeah, you can just drag and drop from one window to another, or you can select all items you want, right click on one of the items selected, and select copy. Then go to the folder you want to copy to, right click in a blank area, and click paste.

You can also use the method I use through command prompt using robocopy.