Backup Open Source Software

How do i backup software for use after re-installing windows?

How can i backup software that i have on my computer? for example: If i want to re-install windows, and i have microsoft word 2007 on it, but i don't have the disc, is there a way to backup just that program to a disc or something?

Public Comments

1. The best way is to have to entire program folder on a flash drive of sorts. I think that would make it work fine.
2. if you use windows vista you can create full backup,all you fail and driver are backup
3. Get nero,Even the free trial would work for backing up your programs.
4. Unfortunately, you can't. First, it's very difficult to find all the visible pieces of complex software applications. They're sometimes in directories other than the application's main one (the C:\Windows directory, for instance). Second, application installs often store critical bits of information in a huge system file called the Registry. It's usually not possible to pull out all the pieces you need, and it's impossible to copy the Registry and reinstall it without wrecking the second machine. You really need the installation disks. Sorry.