I'm running on 98SE and it has become very sluggish. Because of this and the fact that Microsoft is cutting out the support, I have decided I need to reinstall in order to have it as clean as possible.

My question is, what do I need to do beforehand?

I'm very nervous about messing everything up, not much of a tweaker here..lol

There are basically three reinstallation methods:

(1) Install Windows over the current installation. We can ignore this scenario, as it obviously won't meet the "clean as possible" criteria.

(2) Identify all data you want to save, and copy it to a new folder NOT within the Windows or Program Files folders. This data typically includes stationery, e-mail, address book, cookies, favorites, offline Web pages, and data generated by applications you may have installed (e.g., MS Office). Delete the Windows and Program Files folders, then install Windows.

(3) Back up all the data mentioned above, plus the My Documents folder and all other data, to a hard disk drive other than C:, or to removable media (CD-R, Zip or Jaz disks, etc.), then format the C: drive and reinstall Windows.

I use method (2) almost exclusively, as there is no need to back up data which is not in the Windows or Program Files folders, and the backup is very quick since you are just moving files and folders from one location on C: to another.

I prefer using method #3.

Before reinstalling, use scandisk to check the drive for errors.

When installing Windows, I always use a CUSTOM installation. It lets me pick and choose what to install. So you can prevent MSN and other junk from being installed on your pc.

After installing Windows, be sure to defrag. It will give you an extra boost in preformance.