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Backup Before Format

Don't zero-fill your life. Check everything before you wipe.

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Essential User Data

Desktop Check for loose files on your desktop surface.
User Folder (C:\Users\Name) Check root folder for loose files.
Documents Your main work and personal files.
Pictures & Screenshots Camera Roll, Saved Pictures, Screenshots.
Videos Captures, Movies, Projects.
Music iTunes library, FL Studio projects, MP3s.
Downloads Installers or files you haven't moved yet.

Browsers & Email

Passwords (All Browsers) Export passwords from Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.
Bookmarks (All Browsers) Export favorites as HTML file.
Extensions List of extensions or settings (Tampermonkey scripts).
Shazam Check the music saved in the Shazam extension in the browser
Full Profiles Copy the entire User Data folder if possible.
Email Data Outlook PST files, Thunderbird Profiles.

Security & 2FA IMPORTANT

2FA / Authenticator Backup Export QR codes or backup keys for Google/Microsoft Auth.
Crypto Wallets / Private Keys Ensure you have your seed phrases.

System & Drivers

Graphics Driver NVIDIA / AMD / Intel installers.
Bluetooth & WiFi Drivers Download these beforehand to get online quickly.
Fonts Backup custom fonts you installed.
Touchpad / Hotkeys / OEM Essential for Laptops (Dell, HP, Lenovo utilities).
Power Plans Custom power settings or schemes.

Programs & Settings

Apps & Programs Setups Installers for hard-to-find software.
Games Save Documents/My Games, AppData, or Game folders.
Config Files App specific settings (OBS, Adobe, Game Launchers).
IDEs & Environment VS Code Sync, JetBrains settings, Environment Variables.
License Keys Save keys for paid software (Office, Windows, Tools).
Portable Apps Folder for apps that don't need installation.

Often Forgotten

Clipboard History Win+V content is temporary & will be lost.
Notepad / Sticky Notes Unsaved txt files or Sticky Notes app content.
SSH & GPG Keys ~/.ssh folder and private keys.
VPN Configs .ovpn files or connection settings.
Hosts File If you modified C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
Custom Scripts Batch files, PowerShell scripts, Macros.
Printers & Scanners Driver files or settings.

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