Reinstalling OSX without losing personal files?

[permutated]

I'm running into problems with my OSX, it won't let me setup boot camp and it's not launching a few programs.

I basically just want to reinstall OSX without losing any of my optional installs like Lightroom or Logic, or personal files like documents and pictures. Is there a way to do this? I remember that Windows had a way so I'm sure OSX does (it is of course, superior in every way).

Anyhow, help?

 

[italiano40]

Can't be done
you need to backup to a external HDD
then reinstall

 

[IJ Reilly]

The Archive and Install option will replace only the system files and leave everything else intact. However, I would still recommend determining what's wrong instead of reinstalling.

 

[permutated]

Can't be done
you need to backup to a external HDD
then reinstall

I have Time Machine activated but I'm worried that I have a bad backup.

The Archive and Install option will replace only the system files and leave everything else intact.

How do I go about this option?