iphone sync after re-installing windows XP

Hello and thank you in advance for any help. I've searched the forum and found similar questions but not exactly what I'm looking for.

My only computer is an old Dell that runs windows XP SP2. I am planning on reformatting the hard drive and re-installing windows once I get this question resolved, ideally today.

I have backed up all of the "my documents" folder to my external drive. That includes the iTunes folder, but I also permanently keep a lot of my iTunes library on the external because my PC's hard drive is very small

I have the new iOS and regularly back up to iCloud

I understand the advice is generally to back up your itunes library.

-How much of the iPhone's data is backed up in that process?

-How do I retrieve that data once I've reformatted?

-What steps do I need to take to make sure that data is retrievable via the external hard drive?

I'm most concerned about all the apps, bookmarks, settings, application data, text messages, etc.

Thanks so much!

 

Leonard, thanks for the response, that is encouraging that this won't be too arduous.

I'd like to know specifically what I need to do to be 100% positive I won't lose anything (apps, app data, contacts, etc) on my phone. (Music isn't a big deal - it's easy to just drag and drop that back into the phone.)

If anybody has specifics about the process that would also be helpful.

I know that I will reformat, reinstall iTunes, and then I will plug in my iPhone and then...what will happen? Itunes will recognize it as a new device and offer to wipe it clean, I assume. So what, specifically, do I need to do before I plug in my phone so that all my data will be intact and I won't have syncing issues?

I backed up my phone via iCloud this morning and just backed it up onto my computer a few minutes ago. Does anybody know how exactly I use that backed up data to help me in my future predicament?

Thanks again.

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Also I probably could have more succinctly just phrased my question as:

What do I need to do before and after a windows XP reinstall so that I can be able to sync my iPhone again without losing any data, contacts, or having to reinstall apps, etc?

 

That was a very helpful link, thanks!

My notes are:

Find "mobil applications" folder

(I did find it and saw all my apps there - it's actually on the external)

Check iTunes folder preferences settings so I can reset them to be the same way once I reinstall

BEFORE reformatting the boot drive, de-authorize the computer with my iTunes account

After reinstalling itunes, re-authorize the computer with the iTunes account BEFORE syncing with iPhone

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So now I suppose the questions I have are:

What do I DO with that "mobile applications" folder besides backing it up and making sure the iTunes directories know where to find it?

If the right backup files are in the right directories once I reinstall and set up iTunes, will the process of syncing my iPhone be somewhat seamless or am I still going to have to jump through some hoops and possibly get some data wiped out? Will I have to manually put the backed-up apps back on the phone?

Also, all of the above covers applications but what about system settings, text messages (I do want to keep those), application settings and data, and most importantly, contacts?

Thanks again, all input is welcome and helpful...

 

Am I over-thinking or being overly cautious?

I'm still hesitant to reformat until I feel confident in the syncing process.

Any input is appreciated and merry christmas!