Backing up a HDD is a LOT of work. I am moving something like 70 GByte of data to a HDD… And taking multiple copies of some of the data. Then there is the need to copy some of the install CD’s to HDD to save time in installation. In one case, copying files to the HDD has decreased the install time from about two hours to about 20 minutes. And copying the files to the HDD probably only took 10-15 minutes too. So this is a worthwhile investment in time.

My next stage in this process is to backup my Desktop, and then to back the entire HDD up. Then reformat the HDD, install XP, then the XP service pack, and the work through my list of software. I will probably start with Office and MSN, if only so that I am contactable again by electronic means…