Keep programs and settings after clean install

[BloodyDream3]

This is a pretty common question I believe, and I've seen a couple of guides on it, but I wanted to ask so that if I have any other questions, then I can ask those too. So I was basically wondering, is there a way to backup my programs and settings and such so that I can restore them after a clean install? I've been having some problems with Windows 7, so I'm just going to start fresh. I don't want to be too fresh though =P I have a SSD and a HDD, so I'll be backing them up to the HDD.
Thanks

 

[hedwar2011]

This is a pretty common question I believe, and I've seen a couple of guides on it, but I wanted to ask so that if I have any other questions, then I can ask those too. So I was basically wondering, is there a way to backup my programs and settings and such so that I can restore them after a clean install? I've been having some problems with Windows 7, so I'm just going to start fresh. I don't want to be too fresh though =P I have a SSD and a HDD, so I'll be backing them up to the HDD.
Thanks

You will have to create an image of the drive and it's contents (your files, programs, etc) using either CloneZilla, which is free, or Acronis True Image.

The only problem with this process is if you have a virus, or believe you might, it will potentially clone the problem as well so I would recommend running a AVAS scan.

I would recommend running either MalwareBytes Anti-Malwarehttp://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_pro/http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_pro/ or Super Anti-Spywarehttp://www.superantispyware.com/http://www.superantispyware.com/ or even both to make sure the computer is entirely clean of issues.

 

[BloodyDream3]

You will have to create an image of the drive and it's contents (your files, programs, etc) using either CloneZilla, which is free, or Acronis True Image.

The only problem with this process is if you have a virus, or believe you might, it will potentially clone the problem as well so I would recommend running a AVAS scan.

I would recommend running either MalwareBytes Anti-Malwarehttp://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_pro/http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_pro/ or Super Anti-Spywarehttp://www.superantispyware.com/http://www.superantispyware.com/ or even both to make sure the computer is entirely clean of issues.

I have AVG now, but I'll run those two as well. I think I may just reinstall things, but I don't really want to lose my settings. Is it possible to save those?