The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/JustAnotherPodcaster on 2024-07-10 13:28:02.
I know it's a pretty loaded question but let me explain.
Most people I know don't have too much data to back up prior to formatting their PC. They may have some work files / documents on their computer and the most important part would be photos and videos on one of the drives. They're likely subscribed on a few forums and might need to write down a few passwords and usernames and that's it.
In my case, I'm a musician who's also a producer and a DJ and I use a plethora of different software and services on my computer. I'm also a podcaster and a gamer and I have so many different hobbies which are related to using the computer so there are so many different applications installed. Sometimes when I don't use something for a while I wonder why it's even there until I realize that I once installed something which required something else which required something else (for music production purposes or maybe it was related to WordPress or a plugin for something.. etc) and each of those applications sometimes could have its own username and password and you also have to install it in the correct order or something might not work when you reinstall it on your drive.
In the past I often found myself forgetting to back up my bookmarks or write down certain passwords and usernames. Sometimes I just felt like I was missing certain software but only realized much later when I rediscovered it another way. I started taking a screenshot of my installed software so I don't forget what I had installed prior to formatting.
Generally, I don't have a proper method of going over everything important prior to formatting. I know I may forget something and I feel like there's a better way.
What's your process? People on here really know what they're doing and is like to learn how to be more efficient with my backups and formatting process. I end up hoarding stuff I don't need and I want to be more efficient.