I might format....Checklist of what/how to backup?

[Inspiron15]

Hi friends,

I am facing a few problems in my win7. I have posted them in relevent section and hope to get replies.

But there is a good possibility that i will reformat my hdd and reinstall everything starting from win7.

Now i want help on how to create backup of things that are not easily backed up eg. drivers, email settings, saved games, etc etc. I can move other files into a backup hard drive.

I want to make my new install functional like this one in as less time as possible. I can take help of any 3rd party software if available and suitable.

Also below is my SS of drive management- look at it and suggest me how to format and repartition. I want only 2 partitions. Currently it has vista on 1 and win7 on another with 3rd being dell vista recovery parititon.

 

[gregrocker]

Back up your files externally, gather your Program Installers, make your Recovery Disks so you have a path back to factory condition, or save a Backup Image of the HD. You can back up installed drivers at Windows/System32/Drivers. Audit your installed hardware and software including Product Keys using Belarc Advisor, print to file and back up.

Boot the Windows 7 installer, choose Custom Install, then Drive Options (Advanced) to Delete all partitions not needed, following illustrated steps given here: Clean Install Windows 7

If you Delete all partitions to create New ones and Format, the installer will issue a 100mb System Reserved boot partition which conveniently places the Repair Console (normally only on the DVD or Repair CD) on the F8 Advanced Boot Options menu. Partition as you wish and Format before installing to first OS partition.

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Just in case, have your Wireless driver on flash stick or CD so you can get online quickly. Then enable hardware driver auto-updating and check for optional Updates several times.

Any drivers still missing in Device Manager can be found in the backed up driver folder, or on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. Driver Install - Device Manager

Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance changes after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they slow startup, become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. Startup Programs - Change

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner Disk and Registry tabs, then Puran boot-time defragger after adding it's Intelligent Optimizer on Additional Operations tab. CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
http://download.cnet.com/Puran-Defra...-75115626.html

Finally save a Windows 7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD (or replacement) using DVD/Repair CD with the stored image. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup