[HeidelbergBarbi]

I would like to back up some old programs on my computer so I can reformat and reinstall Windows XP. Some of these programs were downloads and are no longer available. Some I no longer have the original discs.
I want to back up the harddrive and then reinstall from the Toshiba recovery CD. I feel this is the best way to clear up some little difficulties on my computer and to really clean it up.
Is there anyway of doing this sort of creation of executable CDs for my old programs?

 

[nickster_uk]

I'm not sure if there are any programs which are capable of this as many programs write complex entries into the registry so backing up the installation directory itself will leave many programs inoperable.

However, if you are able to locate the required registry entries for the programs to run, it is possible to just export the entries and backup the installation directory, settings folder (Common Files/Documents & Settings) and the registry keys to a CD and the copy across to the new installation.

Hope that helps.

 

[HeidelbergBarbi]

Thanks Nickster. It will take a bit of searching but at least its a start.