I actually have 4 partitions:
1) windows
2) programs
3) games
4) downloads
You'll actually be suprised how many programes do not need to be reinstalled, but you could run into difficulties with certain programes...............
mmm actually as I'm typing this I thiking maybe it not so simple....... I've been doing it for so long it's becoming second nature
and yes if your not confident enough you can make a few mistakes. I have had to do things like:
import a backup of the old registry and manually edit it if required
reinstate dll's and other system files
backup specific files/ folders
Best advise I can give is to backup all the stuff you don't want to lose. This would include:
Your pst file (outlook).
A copy of all your drivers/ software for your hardware and obviously any software you have.
Any service packs/ updates
Basically anything you can think of
Oh and one thing I learnt very early on is ensure you have your internet connection information
At least then you will have everything you need whither you have to reinstall software or not. The big advantage of having seperate partitions is that any software I have downloaded is already backed up in my download partition so if I need to reinstall its already there.
Found
this is a little amusing