Data backup question?

Question

I want to re-install my windows XP but the IDE port in my motherboard burned out so I can't use a CD-rom drive anymore. But I already installed all of my games (around 6-10) before it broke, so I had to use cracks to play them. But now, I think there is something wrong with my OS so I am going to send it to somebody to reformat and install for me. But the problem is, I don't want to lose all my games and data. I have an extra hard drive with Vista on it, so here is teh question: Is it possible that I just copy all of my registry and program files that I want onto my Vista drive then just put them back into the XP drive when I get it back? This seems like a good solution to my predicament.

Answer 1

Two things.

First, I can almost guarantee that your IDE port isn't burnt out. You should take a look at the master/slave settings on your drives and maybe even grab another working drive from a different computer to switch out. Also, check the BIOS. Make sure everything is enabled... and you should use the BIOS to detect whether or not the computer detects the drives.

Second, yeah you can do this but you need to make sure you grab all of the files. This works especially well with older games, but you shouldn't have any problems moving it over.