What should I backup from documents and settings in Windows XP?

[jenkins]

What should I backup from documents and settings in Windows XP if I only want to backup the Windows XP settings changes that I made to it?

I do not need to backup the settings changes that I made to my programs. Just changes to the OS settings.

Sevenforums only links to vistax64.com and doesn't have a xpforums.com... so I'm posting it here.

 

[gregrocker]

Those settings are stored in hidden AppData files, however I would not reimport them as they are a corruption path. Better to start afresh with new settings for your OS and programs.

 

[whs]

Greg is right. Forget the settings. You are going to a completely different Operating System. And the prgrams you have reinstall anyhow. But make sure you copy all your data to an external drive so that you can reimport it to Win7.

PS: There is no XP forum

 

[jenkins]

Greg is right. Forget the settings. You are going to a completely different Operating System And the prgrams you have reinstall anyhow.

What if I am not transferring to Windows 7? I have two computers, one Windows 7 and one Windows XP.

I am backing up Windows XP and I'm going to do a fresh install of Windows XP on the second computer.

Those settings are stored in hidden AppData files, however I would not reimport them as they are a corruption path. Better to start afresh with new settings for your OS and programs.

May I know which files and folders I should backup?
I want to avoid the trouble of doing all the settings again on the fresh install because there are so many of them.

 

[gregrocker]

It will not be a fresh install if you reimport the AppData folders' settings as all of the corruption and resultant sluggishness of the old OS will be deliberately reimposed on a squeaky clean reinstall.

 

[Darryl Licht]

I also agree with Greg... if you want a squeaky clean install and snappy new O.S. then just grab all your doc folders, pictures, videos, music, favorites, etc... back those up to an external HDD and start fresh.

Or if you just want fast and easy use the WinXP F.A.S.T. (Files and Settings Transfer Wizard) It brings over just about every setting from old to new... and it allows you to pick and choose what you want.

But as Greg said this can bring over some things you may not want... if your intention is to freshen the OS and speed things up, go with a clean install completely!

 

[DeaconFrost]

I also agree with Greg... if you want a squeaky clean install and snappy new O.S. then just grab all your doc folders, pictures, videos, music, favorites, etc... back those up to an external HDD and start fresh.

That's the best way to do it. You know what's important to you...not some program.

 

[jenkins]

I also agree with Greg... if you want a squeaky clean install and snappy new O.S. then just grab all your doc folders, pictures, videos, music, favorites, etc... back those up to an external HDD and start fresh.

Or if you just want fast and easy use the WinXP F.A.S.T. (Files and Settings Transfer Wizard) It brings over just about every setting from old to new... and it allows you to pick and choose what you want.

But as Greg said this can bring over some things you may not want... if your intention is to freshen the OS and speed things up, go with a clean install completely!

Will I get a list of all the settings I've changed if I open the menu in WinXP F.A.S.T. (Files and Settings Transfer Wizard)?

Can I choose to only bring over specific settings from that list?
That way I can deselect all other settings so that I do not import any settings that cause corruption.

 

[mitchell65]

If you open the Wizard then you will have a choice to select a custom list of your settings on about the third screen. Just try it and you will soon see the options that are available. If you save your settings to an external hard drive you can always delete the lot and start again if you change your mind as to what settings you want to save.
As you will see there are lots of members here who offer their help to others but as this is purely a Windows XP question we re all stepping outside the remit of this Forum. I'm sure Admin will allow us to get away with it this time but may not always in the future. Just my thoughts of course

 

[jenkins]

If you open the Wizard then you will have a choice to select a custom list of your settings on about the third screen. Just try it and you will soon see the options that are available. If you save your settings to an external hard drive you can always delete the lot and start again if you change your mind as to what settings you want to save.
As you will see there are lots of members here who offer their help to others but as this is purely a Windows XP question we re all stepping outside the remit of this Forum. I'm sure Admin will allow us to get away with it this time but may not always in the future. Just my thoughts of course

Which is why I would like to thank everyone for their help

Btw, besides the normal OS settings, I would also like to back up my favourites, etc. There are many nooks and crannies in windows... so I'd like to know if I'm missing out anything.

I know that I should look into
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\

Desktop
Favorites
My Documents


What/where else should I look into?

And is there a way for me to backup my usernames and passwords that I saved in Internet Explorer or Google Chrome?

 

[Darryl Licht]

If you are really worried about losing or forgetting something, an OS restore is a great reason to upgrade your HDD! Keep everything on your old drive and do a clean install on the new drive.

Most everything you want to transfer is inside of your user folder... app data, favs, my docs, my pics, etc...

Either way you choose to do it, I find it is a 1-3 day process for me. But I have tons of apps! TONS!!!

Your saved passwords may come over using F.A.S.T.... not sure if there is any other way. But it is never a good idea to set your browser to remember those anyway!