Because of malware, viruses, et al, I am finding I have to rebuild my
laptop.  I have all the disks set aside for this project, but need to
make double-darn-sure I have backed up all my data and settings
appropriately.

Can you help me with a checklist of what I need to ensure I back up? 
here is some of what I  have been able to come up with:

1. All downloaded software (i.e., not provided to me on a disk).  I am
burining these onto CDs.
2. Outlook: .pst files, Outlook settings
3. MS Office: data files, Office settings (is there a wizard for this?)
4. Favorites folder
5. Backup data files of selected programs: Quicken, certain PDA files

What am I missing here?  And is there an easier approach??

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Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 31 Jan 2004 14:25 PST

prpro...

While you are burning CDs of the software not provided to
you on disk, keep in mind that many of these programs will
have installed critical files into the Windows directory,
the Windows System directory, and the Windows System32
directory. Thus, to insure that all such programs will
work on your new installation, you would need to back up
those related files. 

Since backing up such major system directories would 
greatly increase the likelihood of including files from
the viruses and malware you are trying to avoid, I have
to wonder if it wouldn't be simpler to utilize various
programs designed to eliminate malware and viruses from
your present system?

sublime1-ga

prpro-ga:

1. As it is a laptop, the item at the top of your list (downloaded
software) should most definitely include downloading the latest set of
drivers available from the laptop manufacturer. While Windows XP
(assuming that's your OS) should have native support for the key
devices in your laptop (video, network adapter, mouse/touchpad,
keyboard, CD-ROM), it never hurts to be safe.

2. If you use an ISP that requires the use of client software or
special settings to get online, definitely write down, download, or
backup that.


aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

Thanks -- yes, I plan to use those programs (already do, in fact).  I
am actually burning the original downloads of each software package I
have purchased online (the .exe files I get after I purchase the
license.) Or am I misunderstanding what you are saying?

And thanks for YOUR comments, aht!  Downloading the drivers is a great idea!!