Is there a way to properly back up program files in windows xp?

Question

I am re-installing windows xp on my friend's computer, and he wants to keep his games, programs, etc. installed, is there a proper way to back these up so they can be put right back on the hard drive after the xp re-install.

Answer 1

Ehh yes and no.

Some programs can just be copied right over but most have registry entries.

If you exported the registry entries for all the programs he wants and then imports them again afterwards then sure I guess...

Answer 2

If you are just "repairing" an existing windows installation, it will not touch your program files and just update/repair your existing installation.

If you are doing a complete new install (format, etc.), there is no way to back up programs because of the registry entries.

Well... There is, but that's a long and involved process, and completely beyond the scope of this forum.