Ashish Gupta
What stuff do you take away, from all the fluff, when migrating from or formatting an old computer.
When formatting the partition containing the Operating System, typically C:, goes away. Find this partition using %systemdrive% in Run command.
Capture the entire profile if the browser or third-party tools allow it. For example, MozBackup for Firefox.
Not just a list of all addons and extensions to install, but also their settings. For example, Firefox allows you to bundle all your addons in one big addon!
Either create a manual listing, use Windows command "dir /b > listing.txt" or take a screenshot of C:\Program Files\ and C:\Program Files (x86)\ folders.
User data like PST files of MS Outlook and personal contacts.
Software settings like rules and filters like RWZ file of MS Outlook.
If using any browser extentions or addons to block Flash content and it provides a whitelisting mechanism, then backup the whitelist. For example, Flashblock can use Firefox sync.
Specifically for Firefox, the TMP is one of the most-used addons and allows to export its settings in a plain text file.
Lastpass is the cloud-based, best password management tool out there! While it is already in the cloud, if you wish to, take a local backup as well.
If you use a FTP client, then backup its bookmarks, server listing, and credentials.
If you run a FTP server on your machine, backup its settings, shared folders, data uploaded on the server, customized server messages, etc.
For example, FileZilla Server.xml and FileZilla Server Interface.xml files for FileZilla FTP Server.
If you synchronize data across machines, backup the settings used.
Folders to sync, devices to sync, blacklists to avoid, sync schedule and so on.
Sync all files one last time; possibly remove/check blacklist before the last sync!
Take backup of the backup software!!
Folders to backup, devices to backup, remote server name and credentials, blacklists to avoid, backup schedule and so on.
Backup the names, types, defaults, Printing Preferences, Printing Settings, and so on.
If you use applications that track usage/habits/etc. then back up their tracked data.
For example, Pulse the keystroke count in Whatpulse, save FTP server statistics, screenshots of Tango, multimedia usage, music ratings, etc.
A list of fonts installed. May also copy fonts too.
Software, ports, and protocols configured on system firewall
Some audio/video player create playlists or media usage in specific folders in %appdata% or %systemdrive%/Program Files.
There may be other files like lyrics downloaded by a plugin, downloaded skins, custom equalizer settings, video player's captured frames, etc.
Screenshots taken by screen capturing desktop software and browser addons.
Those from SMS/chat/email clients.
Feeds from browser extensions, Outlook, or any feed reader.
Back up saved data, checkpoints, upgrades, etc.
Sync to the cloud statistics, playtime, etc.
Chat logs and custom settings.
Backup of SMS, Contacts, user data, including pics and videos, etc.
Like WhatsappClient, HTC sync and Samsung Kies.
Chipset/mobo, network card, DVD drive, Graphics card, audio, etc.
Ashish has several years of experience working with content. He is a technical communicator and a community builder by profession; UX advocate and a quality champion by nature; and a Chemical engineer from IIT Bombay by academic qualification.
In his spare time he likes to spoil his son silly, test workflows, identify usability enhancements and new features in software that he uses, and indulge in the online communities. Other interests areas in which Ashish dabbles are Instructional content, eLearning, social media, SEO, project management, life skills, watching soccer, fantasize about running long marathons some day, and occasionally trekking in the Himalayas.
