Default files & folders list for user backup

[TechguyUK]

Does anyone have a list of the default folders and files that are used by common user apps for their data stores on the different Windows platforms.

I'm thinking of Outlook Express / Outlook / Windows Mail / Firefox / OE / Opera / Itunes etc as well as such things as Passwords / Serial numbers / DRM licenses etc.

I'm intending on pulling a list together to help ensure I backup all the stuff that a user typically wants saving before an N&P or OS upgrade is done...but if there is already a checklist out there that would be a great help - i've not found one yet though.

Also - the Win7 'Windows Easy Transfer Tool' seems to be the best yet, certainly better than the standard XP one. I know the Win7 one will run on XP and gather files/settings ready for migration to Win7 but has anyone tried it as an XP to XP or vista to vista migration tool ??

[Xander]

Go spent 5 pounds and buy Fab's Autobackup. It will cover most of those things all by itself.

I'm in the process of batch-filing several of Nirsoft's password/info-saving tools with Fab's and a driver backup program. Oh, plus a desktop icon program that I recently suggested as a Repair Tool of the Week to help return the computer at least looking like they used to have it.
When done, I might have to re-enter passwords and such back in (or just leave it as info on their desktop for them to do) but I'd rather save too much info than too little.


The Win7 Easy Transfer only offers XP as "Old Computer" so it won't work transfering to XP (as New Computer).

[coreyspeed]

i would be intrested in seeing you batch file when it is complete sounds quite good

[Martyn]

Go spent 5 pounds and buy Fab's Autobackup. It will cover most of those things all by itself.

I'm in the process of batch-filing several of Nirsoft's password/info-saving tools with Fab's and a driver backup program. Oh, plus a desktop icon program that I recently suggested as a Repair Tool of the Week to help return the computer at least looking like they used to have it.
When done, I might have to re-enter passwords and such back in (or just leave it as info on their desktop for them to do) but I'd rather save too much info than too little.


The Win7 Easy Transfer only offers XP as "Old Computer" so it won't work transfering to XP (as New Computer).

I was going to suggest Fabs. I thought Fabs puts back the desktop icons if you include desktop in your backup?

[iisjman07]

I hate to rain on your parade, but eHousecalls.ca is right; buy Fabs Autobackup. The version that works from within windows (version 3) is 5 euros, and there's a version that works from an unbootable system which is closer to 50 euros - but they're both fantastic and easily worth the money