How do I backup files and replace an OS?

[Person60]

I'm currently using Windows 7 Professional 64 bit. However I'm planning on building a new PC soon. I'm going to reuse my harddrive(s). Is there a way that I can backup all the files that I have on my main drive, then delete the OS that I currently have installed on it (still keeping all the files) then install a new OS (Home Premium) on my secondary drive, while still using my main drive for all the files and such?

The drive that I would like to install the OS on is 150gb, and the one that I want to keep all my files on is 1tb.

I don't have any experience with installing operating systems.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Check this page out and if you have further questions I'll be glad to help if I can. http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Windows-7

 

[Person60]

Check this page out and if you have further questions I'll be glad to help if I can. http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Windows-7

That says I can't back up programs. That was my main concern, but since I know I can't do that now there's no point in trying to find a way around it. I'll just reinstall stuff.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Ya, installed programs can't be backed up because there will be differences in the operating system any time a new installation is done. There is no way to put the pieces of an installed program back the way they were in the operating system. In some cases, there won't even be the same parts, files, folders, drivers, dynamic link libraries and even native support for a particular program in a specific operating system might not even be supported depending on the version and revision number. It just can't be done unless the program happens to be a single file executable, which is pretty rare these days.

 

[forfoxyon]

backup files is ok,then reinstall os

 

[forfoxyon]

if your important files are not very big, copy them to a usb. if it were big, try backup tool that supports file backup, for exanple: aomei backupper, arscons

 

[Darkbreeze]

if your important files are not very big, copy them to a usb. if it were big, try backup tool that supports file backup, for exanple: aomei backupper, arscons

This thread has been solved. I realize you're new, so in the future you need to pay attention to whether the thread shows having already been solved unless there is an additional post after the solution specifically asking for further information.