What to backup before a clean install?

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CostaP

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Going to flash (update) BIOS). And also to clean install Windows 10 onto my new SSD that I have ordered.

Once I installed W/10 I obviously want to have the same photos, documents, videos etc that I had on my PC before the clean install. But what else needs to be backed up so I can re-drag it to folders once the install is complete? (if that makes sense?)

I have:

-Photos
-Videos
-Music
-Documents (e.g word, PDF's, powerpoint)
-University Projects/work that I have created
-Install files for some editing softwares

Is there anything else I am missing before I clean install next week?

Many Thanks

:)
 
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USAFRet


Drivers for your hardware
username/password for all the sites/applications you use
Serial numbers or other licensing info for...
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Drivers for your hardware
username/password for all the sites/applications you use
Serial numbers or other licensing info for your applications
 
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CostaP

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Ah I forgot to mention I will most definately wipe my HD also. That holds my editing programmes, some games..and obviously my current OS. I would like a clean HD also, so that will most likely hold the photos, music etc I mentioned.

But yes it will be my main storage one that I will drag my documents, music, photos etc back onto
 
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CostaP

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When you say drivers for hardware, the only one that springs to mind is my Graphics Driver..
But I guess I just have to reinstall nvidia, and download driver again?

Ah you reminded me for passwords thanks!
 
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VJ_Gamer

VJ_Gamer

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Okay after installing OS onto your SSD, backup all the required stuffs from HDD to SSD, format the HDD as you said and move stuffs back from SSD to HDD.

Good Luck.:) Peace.

 
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C

CostaP

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oh, I just thought about backing up (on external HD) the obvious things that you can re-drop onto the clean HD, as I dont mind reinstalling things again, so wanted to make sure I wasnt missing obvious things. But I think I covered them all

I dont want to drag things to SSD (even as a temporary backup) then re-moving them back to HD once its clean. But its fine thanks haha :)
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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GPU, mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner, whatever else.

And the password/registration details for your software and accounts is a BIG thing.
My last full wipe and reinstall, I thought I had everything. Turns out, I forgot to document the registration info for a $1,000 CAD package. Eventually I discovered it, but what a PITA if I hadn't.
 
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CostaP

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In terms of driver backup, I thought I just plug in and PC will auto-detect the e.g mouse and download the driver. But how would I go about backing up the drivers?

And the method I use, do I re-drag them back onto my SSD (after I reinstall Windows) or do I double click the 'backup' files to 're-download' the drivers again?

Sorry to be a pain in asking probably a silly set of questions. I thought it was a 'plug in and install driver' technique

 
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VJ_Gamer

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Yes, Windows will detect the drivers, but you can install the ones that came with your motherboard as a CD or you can download it from the internet(Basically all the motherboard manufaturing companies will be providing you with the drivers to download from their website).

Good Luck.:) Peace.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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For instance, my Logitech mouse has its own setup.exe
My Razer keyboard has its own setup.exe
Obviously, Windows will just go generic and they are very usable. But if I want the keyboard customization...that is its own driver.
Logitech mouse Setpoint is the same.

Those thing you download from the manufacturer and save to a USB stick.
After the OS is installed....run those things and install.

Those things. And you don't just drag/drop from elsewhere. You have to run the actual exe to set it up.
 
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CostaP

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Ah, so just checked my MB 'drivers' page and all I see useful (possibly but not sure I even have this) to me is a 'Realtek High Definition Audio Driver' http://

Not sure what the method is for backing up and re-installing drivers is. Is it an easy method with simple tutorial?

Or I guess I will just plug in and download my mouse, keyboard, setup my printer etc?


 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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The primary thing you should have is the LAN driver for your motherboard LAN port. Just in case Windows does not do that automatically.
With that....you can go get everything else as needed.
 
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VJ_Gamer

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As USAFRet mentioned above, U dont have to move the drivers. U need to fresh install it.


 
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C

CostaP

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Oh, TBH I dont think I have ever installed those drivers before and I have had my PC for 4 years now. I guess if they are kinda important, I will install them after the clean install.

Also, just gonna plug in and download drivers

And thanks for the confirmation everyone :)

 
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