Hi Pepp,
What and how to back-up is a large question.
Add the condition of "(9) nine years of stuff" and it becomes larger.
However, this discussion and your attention to back-up is timely, if a bit overdue, since you recently encountered an infection that could have put the machine's operating system, application software, and your nine years of work….. at risk.
Add that you are still having operating system errors (though only annoyances at this point) which could also put your nine years of work at risk.
Having someone else tell you what needs to be backed up, is a little like someone coming into your home with the announcement that you will be moving, and they will decide what you take with you. They might be experienced and good at moving, but are bound to have different priorities than yourself.
With that said, there are some standard places where items of importance are commonly stored:
Windows XP. All of these folders reside inside C:\Documents and Settings\login, where login is the name you use when you log into Windows:
• My Documents
• Desktop
• Application Data
• Favorites
• Local Settings\Application Data
Vista/Windows 7, where you can find these folders inside C:\Users\login:
• Documents
• Pictures
• Desktop
• Music
• Contacts
• Videos
• AppData
• Favorites
But that's not all.
Often people create additional folders in which to save important types of information.
Only the owner/user would know.
Specific Software applications may also create unique locations where files from that application are saved.
Other items which I think are important are often overlooked and may not have been saved.
–Drivers
—- I keep a folder which includes chipset and device driver .inf or .exe files from the manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer website
–Software installation media
—- I keep a folder of applications software installation files and necessary password or activation keys
–Backups
—- I keep a folder that contains both my whole-system backups and specific applicaiton software product file backups
–Hardware Inventory
—- I keep an original and updated copy of Belarc Advisor which gives me a printout of Hardware, operating system, OS updates and patches, installed software, and Product Keys for at least MS operating sytem and Office
Where to keep backups?
If your machine experiences a catastrophic loss, it does little good to have backups saved to the internal hard drive that may have just failed.
I keep two external hard drives, upon which I regularly back up my whole system, plus separately backup important files that I might need to access more regularly.
I als have a third hard drive installed in my machine(s) upon which I also backup the same material (not possible with most laptops)
So as a general rule, I have three locations where I can retrieve up-to-date backup of my computer's files.
Some folks keep the third of the three in a locked fireproof off-site location.
What you decide to do with the "where" question, is up to you.
But I urge you to include at least one separate external HD location.
At this point, "what" to back up is an easy answer…. Everything!
I use Acronis True Image Home - A software that enables the user to create a full holographic .iso image of the entire operating system, utilities, application software, and saved files. All in one large backup folder that can be used to restore the computer to its exact healthy condition, in the event of catastrophic loss. Acronis also allows the user to create a bootable startup cd/dvd with which the owner can start and restore a computer that is otherwise dead or unable to function due to software corruption…. of to restore after installation of new hardware if hardware failure provoked the problem.
There are three fee-based softwares that are worth recommending and investigating: Acronis, Paragon, Macrium
There are some free softwares that are touted as being good alternatives, but I rely upon Acronis and it has never let me down.
And yes…. I've had to use it on my own machines as well as dozens of machines owned by others who I help here locally.
Here are a couple of quick but sensible how-to topics that may be of interest to you:
http://ask-leo.com/so_what_should_i_backup.html
http://ask-leo.com/macrium_reflect_1_downl…installing.html
Microsoft has also entered the picture with an apparently competent backup system beginning in Windows 7,
I have not yet used it, and will probably continue using Acronis.
Here is a starter topic which will introduce you to the Windows backup system:
For folks running Windows 7, there is a native backup system with at least 3 layers of automated backup. Here’s how to use it and how to retrieve material that was backed up.
http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2011/08/18/w…a-in-windows-7/
If you find it useful, you can search for other similar.
_____________________
Now back to the next steps I have in mind regarding your present annoying problem.
They will probably perform as expected, whether or not they actually solve your problem.
They probably won't cause any damage. They never have for me. But the risk exists.
Since the risk exists, I urge you to put a competent backup system into place before progressing.
And after 9 years, you might think it is also a good idea, particularly because you have occasionally considered format and reinstall.
If you do eventually consider format and reinstall… it will probably be an all-day project for you.
And it will be a problematic and discouraging project if you haven't already put a back-up plan into motion.
Keep us informed with your progress and plans.
