Will copying a program file keep the info. intact?

[Kaga]

Hello, i'm currently planning on reinstalling win 98' to my computer using this method-

www.build-your-own-computers.com/how-to-reinstall-windows-without-losing-data.html

I've got my program files all copied right now as well. This includes my Linksys Wireless PCI Adaptor.

Will copying the program file keep all the information intact?
Like who i'm connected to and such? I won't need to redo any of the installation process or anything, will I?

[Kaga]

Also; I need to know because my computer is linked to my brother's PC. He's off at college right now and his computer is "locked", so there's no way I could retrieve/come up with any of the information; leaving me with no internet access if it were to disappear. Leaving me in deep kimchi for the rest of the summer ;_;

[Zylstra]

Kaga:
If you are copying the data located in "Program Files" it will not stay intact.

What program files are you trying to copy?

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Will copying the program file keep all the information intact?
Like who i'm connected to and such? I won't need to redo any of the installation process or anything, will I?

If you copy program files, I would say 80-90% of them will be useless. Some programs (like firefox) can be used on another computer with only their Program Files copied, however, they might not work properly.

Though Firefox may work on the other computer, none of your data (themes, add-ons, saved passwords) will be copied along with it because they are located in C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Application Data\

This includes my Linksys Wireless PCI Adaptor.

If you mean another piece of software that finds wireless networks other than the Windows Default, this will not work if you copy it.

[kpac]

You could copy everything from your computer to an external hard drive and then copy them back when your finished re-installing Windows.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

You could copy everything from your computer to an external hard drive and then copy them back when your finished re-installing Windows.

It would be more effective to Clone the hard drive.

There are quite a lot of software to do this.

[patio]

Including the FREE ones from drive manuf. websites...