Any good ways to keep files when re-installing windows 7?

Shark Dentist · Aug 21, 2014

I'm going to be getting a new motherboard and CPU + other stuff and was wondering what are my best options when it comes to keeping all my files etc when re-installing Windows 7?

I've heard that I should just uninstall all my programs and re-install them when I re-install windows 7 because of the registry files, but when it comes to files/folders/saves I want to keep them all intact and if possible in the exact same directory they were in originally.

I was thinking..
Would copying all my files to another HDD while I'm re-installing and copying back when it's done be the best bet? What should/shouldn't I copy over?

Thanks in advance!

michaelhall · Aug 21, 2014

copy all your files, pics , movies docs etc to an external HDD then copy them back to your fresh install , just install all your programs again

Shark Dentist · Aug 21, 2014

michaelhall :

Seems easy enough

Is there a way for it to remember the file directories?

michaelhall · Aug 21, 2014

Shark Dentist :

no , sorry as its a fresh install, just install them wherever you want

michaelhall · Aug 21, 2014

do you have only 1 drive (c) or do you have multiple drives in your setup?

reedo_43 · Aug 21, 2014

Look in your user account. Everything is in there. c:\users\shark dentist. you pix, download, music, documents, favorites, even your desktop.

Shark Dentist · Aug 21, 2014

michaelhall :

I have 2 drives in this PC,one is 1TB and the other 500gb.

reedo_43 · Aug 21, 2014

c:\users\shark dentist. your pix, downloads, music, documents, favorites, videos even your desktop. Just pick and choose what you want.

Shark Dentist · Aug 21, 2014

reedo_43 :

Awesome

Is that every file and folder on my computer? (program files is under C:\ tho?)

michaelhall · Aug 21, 2014

ok copy all your stuff to the 1TB drive that you wanna keep unplug that drive wen finished (pull data cable out) then do a fresh install to the 500gb then i would just keep all you media on the bigger drive

reedo_43 · Aug 21, 2014

No it is not every file, but it is everything in your user account. All of you programs will need to be re-installed.

reedo_43 · Aug 21, 2014

No it is not every file, but it is everything in your user account. All of you programs will need to be re-installed.

Shark Dentist · Aug 21, 2014

michaelhall :

Good idea

The 1TB drive is the on I'm re-installing windows on tho

So just do the same but the other way around?

Shark Dentist · Aug 21, 2014

reedo_43 :

Ohhh right, so the User account stuff is the only stuff I need?
Does the User account have all my game saves from Steam etc? (+I have mods in Skyrim and stuff..what should I do with them?)
Are games considered programs?

michaelhall · Aug 21, 2014

Shark Dentist :

yes , i would recommend using the smaller for your system and the larger for media

reedo_43 · Aug 21, 2014

Yes games are considered programs. You would have to use google trying to copy your saved games. Not sure where they are located.

Shark Dentist · Aug 21, 2014

michaelhall :

Shark Dentist :

yes , i would recommend using the smaller for your system and the larger for media

Yeah I might try that out

Tanks for your help!

michaelhall · Aug 21, 2014

Shark Dentist :

michaelhall :

Yeah I might try that out

Tanks for your help!

michaelhall · Aug 21, 2014

no problem

happy to help can you spend a little time and pick a solution thanks

Shark Dentist · Aug 21, 2014

reedo_43 :

Ok,thanks!

btw would appdata be ok to copy?

reedo_43 · Aug 21, 2014

It will be useless to you..

Shark Dentist · Aug 22, 2014

reedo_43 :

It's in the USER files tho :|

Any good ways to keep files when re-installing windows 7?

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