How to make a complete backup of delphi XE manually:
- backup complete installation folder.
(tip: install your components under the delphi folder so they also get backed up).
- export & backup HKLM\Software\Embarcadero registry key
in case of 64 bit os it will be HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Embarcadero
- export & backup HKCU\Software\Embarcadero registry key
- Some components may write BPL files to your system folder (check C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 folder)
after OS reinstallation:
- reinstall Delphi to the SAME folder and apply same updates
- overwrite installation with your backup
- reimport registry keys from backup
- if you have Delphi plugins/experts, reinstall them
some tips:
- install Delphi under the root of your drive (eg c:\DelphiXE), this to prevent troubles with UAC under vista/W7.
- Keep your projects under the delphi folder, is very handy if you have to cope with different delphi versions (eg c:\delphi5\projects, c:\delphixe\projects, ...)
- make an automated daily backup of your delphi folder (via windows backup or other tool)
