Upgrading from XP to Windows 7, question about backing up files.

[Zinayzen]

I'm backing up my entire computer to my external hard drive. This may or may not be a good idea.

Once I do a clean install, can I just transfer the files I want back over? I know the Upgrade Advisor said you'd need the install discs for the programs, but if I have the entire program downloaded to my hard drive, it can still work, right?

And have the directories changed in any way? Is My Music still C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\My Music\ ?

[Panda X]

Some programs will need registry reconfiguration. Those programs with serial keys won't work. My Music is C:\Users\WhatUp\Music