bep207 said:
when you do reformat, how do you ensure that all of your data and preferences get put back in place after you install
That depends how have everything backed up. I actually find it quite therapeutic to reconfigure all my apps and settings manually but some people prefer to just dump their old preferences back in the equivalent spot on the new install. Of course, then you run the risk that the preferences won't be compatible with the newer OS.
In short, I reload my data (music, movies, documents et cetera) from backup and then use .Mac to resync my iCal, Address Book and Mail.
dukebound85 said:
if you do a clean install does the install discs of tiger for intel let you reload all the software that originally came on say my macbook?
if so how would i go about putting them on there?
Nah, you have to reload the other software from the bundled discs because they're not included with regular retail versions of the OS. Usually this is simply a case of inserting the disc and doing a custom install of some of the apps but sometimes you need an app like
Pacifist to find certain app's installer packages.