Checklist for reformatting?

[Sue Michele]

Well, assuming I figure out how to resolve the backup
problem, I'm planning on backing up and taking the system
down, then reformatting the drive and starting over with a
fresh install. I figure I've had this system running now
for about 1.5 - 2 years, and it's probably time.

What I'm wondering is...does anyone have a good checklist,
or know where I can find one, that I can use as a guide to
make sure I have everything backed up that I'll need and
that I don't forget anything procedurally in reformatting?

There's always something you forget, no matter how hard
you try...I don't do this that often! I think last time I
forgot to back up my incoming and outgoing fax
records...it never fails! I also tend to go round and
round with the menus as I'm reformatting because I forget
what I did last time. I eventually get there, but I do
seem to take a few detours I could do without....

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Sue Michele

 

[Plato]

What I'm wondering is...does anyone have a good checklist,
or know where I can find one, that I can use as a guide to
make sure I have everything backed up that I'll need and
that I don't forget anything procedurally in reformatting?

It's hard to tell what personal data you have and need to save. eg
address books, email utilities, other stuff you dont want to download
again.

 

[Sue Michele]

It's hard to tell what personal data you have and need to
save. eg address books, email utilities, other stuff you
dont want to download again.

Oh, yeah, I know...but see, just your saying that reminded
me I have to save the whole of the directory of Agent (my
email app). I was kind of looking for a general list to
remind me...like if IM apps were on the list, it'd remind
me to backup ICQ, Yahoo!Messenger, and soforth.

How 'bout something procedurally to make sure I don't miss
any steps in reformatting?

Thanks!

Sue Michele

 

[Plato]

How 'bout something procedurally to make sure I don't miss
any steps in reformatting?

How about the user names and passwords for apps you are going to have to
re-install?

IT's a good time to write them down for stuff like ftp, mail, etc. It's
true tho, every time I take my pc back I always forget something. I dont
think anybody really has done
a list but yeah, it's a good idea. Heck, how about registration numbers
for stuff you
are going to have to re-install. I seem to always forget some of those.

 

[Sharon F]

Oh, yeah, I know...but see, just your saying that reminded
me I have to save the whole of the directory of Agent (my
email app). I was kind of looking for a general list to
remind me...like if IM apps were on the list, it'd remind
me to backup ICQ, Yahoo!Messenger, and soforth.

How 'bout something procedurally to make sure I don't miss
any steps in reformatting?

Suggest creating your own master list. Go through your folders and
programs, making notes as you go. Then do your backup from those notes. May
want to take a look at what the Files and Settings Transfer wizard can do
for you too. Since I usually have current data backups, I only use the
Settings portion of the program but it does have quite a few options:

Article by Gary Woodruff on Files and Settings Transfer wizard:
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

 

[Alex Nichol]

Well, assuming I figure out how to resolve the backup
problem, I'm planning on backing up and taking the system
down, then reformatting the drive and starting over with a
fresh install. I figure I've had this system running now
for about 1.5 - 2 years, and it's probably time.

I don't think anyone can give you a comprehensive list - you will have
to go through the things you use and remember 'ah - Agent folder' and
so on. But you might find the Files and settings Transfer Wizard a
helpful tool in doing the job. read Gary Woodruff's article on Files
and settings Transfer at http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm