I've done this exact procedure a number of times. If at all possible, while installing Graphics software I create a DIR called GSW. All my OS and MS based software gets installed in their default DIRs. Before I reformat I either copy the entire GSW DIR to my backup drive, sometimes it gets picky, I just create a GSW DIR on the backup drive and copy each Graphics software folder to that backup GSW DIR. Do all the regular backups or copy overs. Now once the new OS is up and running, I create the GSW folder(DIR) Install my major programs. PhotoShop,Bryce, etc. and then copy the plugin and preset folders from the backup drive to the new major graphic Prog's folders in their respective places. Quite a few other programs still operate from the backup drive or you can copy them over to the new GSW DIR. I've used this method mainly because I reformat at least once a year to keep my system running clean and sharp. You also become less of a junk collector and focus on your artwork. Believe me, when I first started this, I collected everything and tried every piece of software out there. Good Luck, let us know how you make out. ICM

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Ockham's razor- It's that simple