One thing I've always done is keep Windows and programs like virus protection in a separate partition. My Vue programs and data are on another hard drive (and backed up elsewhere). I've had to wipe Windows for several reasons, but my apps were untouched. Had to reinstall a few (for registry settings), but loss was minimal. Sorry for the mess you're in - it's no fun. Take heart that you're not alone - most of us have been there.

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