backup programs

[luke10]

hello, i will be restoring my computer and would like to know the best way to backup all the programs on my computer such as gimp, sky etc. I have alot of programs that need backing up so i need an easier way then just reinstalling them of the internet. I will be backing up data such as music, pictures, documents on an external hard drive, but i can not backup programs on the external.

Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance, Luke.

 

[Cromewell]

Something like Acronis True Image or Ghost would work. They can backup your full drive to an image and restore it back to that exact state.

 

[tremmor]

ive used both in the past and never failed. If i needed one i prefer Acronis. With windows 7 pro it does it. backed up but never replaced yet. thats another test.

 

[Cromewell]

I mentioned Ghost so yes it's a possibility.

 

[gizZzmo333]

So why not just save all the install files (assuming you have them) to your external drive...whats so difficult about that?

 

[Cromewell]

Why save the installer and have to spend time reinstalling if you can save the program in it's installed state?

 

[luke10]

Thanks guys, i've got it all backed up with Acronis True Image. Thanks for all posts!