I always have and recommend two partitions – one System and the other for data. Based on the OS type and apps I use, I allocate appropriate size. So when I buy a new computer, within a week or so, I do a clean install after partitioning This also helps me remove unwanted apps/tools that take space/load on start up / slow down the system. I save all the data and personal files in the Data volume.

For my Windows PCs, I still make a back up of the following folders for each user under \Documents and Settings along with the data volume on an external storage before a “clean install” if I have to.

• My documents
• Favorites
• Desktop

If you save data in other folders in the system drive (c drive), you need to copy those folders too.

After you copy the files on the external drive, please verify if you are able to open those files from a different computer to make sure they copied properly and also not encrypted.

I also use “synctoy” to back up my computers every two weeks. I find this very simple and easy to use with good options and it’s free from MS. I also have a Windows Home server, but still I rely on synctoy back up for now.

http://www.microsoft.com/DOWNLOADS/details.aspx?familyid=E0FC1154-C975-4814-9649-CCE41AF06EB7&displaylang=en

Boot with a linux distro cd like Knoppix , and use the utility disk dump , you'll get a 1:1 copy.

http://www.knoppix.net/

dd it's a little complicated if you're a newbie , but don't be afraid , once you learn how to use it it's unvaluable ... here's a little tutorial

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-newbie-8/learn-the-dd-command-362506/

I would copy all important files and programs to an external hard drive. Then do the re-install of the OS. Once you have the new OS up and running, just copy the files back over.

For programs you might need to download the installation files again, or if you have a program on disc, you will probably need to re-install from the disc.

It is a lot of work, but you will have a fresh pc at the end!