Custom back up without time machine

[sourmelk]

Hi all,

Hoping to completely reformat my MBP today.

I don't want a whole clone of my laptop, I only want to save my documents/pictures and applications. (Is there anything else I should save?)

If I drag over my .app files to a HDD will they have all the information they require to work if I re-install them after the format?

Thanks

 

[simonsi]

That sounds like a recipe for frustration, problems and eventually a reinstall. I'd suggest either clone it or Time machine backup and clean install. Time spent now will almost certainly be saved later...

 

[maflynn]

If I drag over my .app files to a HDD will they have all the information they require to work if I re-install them after the format?

Thanks

Some apps yes, some apps no, for example, MS Office or Lightroom require installers and just copying the app from the application folder is insufficient. iWork and iLife apps are the same way.