Reloading OS vs trying to clean the computer of malware

[shashgo]

Which is better?

The pros of backing up data, reloading OS and transferring data back is that it is a sure way to get rid of malware.  The only con is that actual application programs that were installed will have to be reinstalled after the OD is loaded, unless you guys know how I can transfer the applications files also.  Is there a way?

The pro to cleaning the computer of malware without trying to reload the OD is that the application files are not wiped out.

Is there a way to transfer application files if I decide to reload the OD?

[patio]

No.
Applications need to be re-installed...

There are apps that say they can do this but none of them i tested wrked very well...

[shashgo]

If I go into the c:/programs folders and copy all the content, exe files and all, and then transfer these files to the new computer, then isnt that the same as having the application files and transferring them.  Isnt the C:/programs folder the place where the application files from the installation are stored when you first install them?

[patio]

They simply will NOT run doing it this way...