I'm gonna be re-installing Windows soon

[Taem]

After 3 good years of outstanding service with my current Windows XP installation, I will soon be swapping my harddrive for a larger one.  This means a re-installation of Windows (about damn time wouldn't you say?).

I'm not too concerned with any programs I have installed.  They are either easily downloadable or I already have the retail installation disks.  Other than my photos and a few select documents, there is nothing here that is irreplacable.  I'm already in the process of burning these to some CDs.

I'm more concerned about making sure that I have all of my stored passwords and other various settings that cannot be exported to a file and saved to disk.  I keep thinking that I will forget something important.

I'm also a wee bit terrified about the process of Windows Update.  I'm worried about the process of connecting a base installation of Windows XP without any security updates to the internet.  I'd imagine it will take some time to download all of the updates, and during this time my computer will be a gigantic bullseye and wide open to nasty stuff.  I plan on installing a firewall like ZoneAlarm or Kerio before I plug the network cable back in.  Will this be enough to protect my computer during the time it will take me to install all of the security updates, or should I look for a way to install them before I connect to the internet (is this even possible?)?

edit for late-breaking super bonus happy news:  My wife just informed me via cellphone that she won $2,700 playing a slot machine (it was girl's night out).  Drinks are on me tonight!
[right][snapback]94542[/snapback][/right]

You can always clone your HD. There are two ways I like using a program called Acronis (free trial version http://www.acronis.com/ ):

1.) Complete image back-up of your hard drive, then boot with an Acronis CD and copy the back-up to your new drive.

2.) Physically install the new HD into your computer with the old HD also installed and Clone your old hard drive to the new hard drive using Acronis. After you do this, you must remove the new/old HD before the reboot or else one of the drives with windows will be unbootable.

I prefer a clean install myself to clear all the crap out of the drive that eventually accumulates. If you do a clean install, be sure to:

SAVE-YOUR-"PERSONAL-SETTINGS"
********************************
1. Obviously save your media (i.e. picture, songs, video, documents, etc.)
2. Save your FAVORITES
.........."C:\Documents and Settings\'Your Name'\Favorites"
3. Save your FONTS
.........."C:\Windows\FONTS
4. Save your "important" PROGRAM UPDATES + DRIVER UPDATES (i.e. stand-alone update files; these can sometimes be downloaded and saved somewhere). I believe you can also save the Microsoft Windows Updates onto a CD and install them manually since you mentioned hesitation about installing these online.
5. Save or write down your custom Explorer Bar Settings
.........."C:\??? - NOT SURE... "
6. Some people think it's important to save your CERTIFICATES and COOKIES, but because I don't really care about these, I have no idea where to find them. If you have custom TEMPLATES, be sure to save these also in your documents folder somewhere.

FORMAT-AND-INSTALL
*********************
1. Format your new Hard-drive with the windows CD. Make sure it's NTFS.
2. Install windows. If you've installed this version of windows before, you might have to call Microsoft's hotline to activate your windows with an eight-lettered code, which they (Microsoft phone personal) will give you over the phone. RESTART!
3. Update Windows (online) . RESTART... several times!
4. Update your BIOS. RESTART!
5. Install your Video Card Driver. RESTART!
6. Update your Video Card Driver. RESTART!
7. Install your Sound Card Driver. RESTART!
8. Update your Sound Card Driver. RESTART!
9. To avoid problems with your programs:
......... A) Install your programs ONE-AT-A-TIME and restart after every install.
......... B) Update your programs and restart after every update.
10. Configure your personal settings.

I'm sure there's steps I'm forgetting that I take everytime I have to reinstal Windows, but I can't think of them at the moment. Whatever you decide to do, good-luck! It can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a real headache!