[SOLVED] Upgrading OS and doing clean install - best backup options?

[solitonsnap]

I have a Lenovo Y500, currently running Windows 8.0. I also have Windows 10 installed. I want to do a clean install of Windows 10, but I want to keep my Win 8 files and programs. I plan on initiating the clean install from Win 10.

What's the best way to backup my Win 8 files and programs to transfer over to the clean install?
I don't want to do an exact image, as I don't necessarily want all of the random programs and other detritus I've accumulated over the years to be re-installed. I'd prefer to have a list of installed programs and re-install as needed.

Thoughts? Thanks everyone.

 

[USAFRet]

Programs are irrelevant.
They WILL need to be reinstalled, so no need trying to backup or "save" them.

Save your personal files to some other drive.
Document whatever software you want to install later, along with any serial numbers/passwords/etc.