how do i back up

[pistonbroke]

Hi.... I want to clear my computer of all sorts of dross, so i intend to put the instalation disc in ....but i have a fair few programmes that i want to keep and put onto dvd or whatever,so i can pick and choose which programmes to reinstal when i want, rather than doing an internet search for each individual programme....How do i do so? do i have to purchase a programme? if so can you tell me decent one.... Thanks in advance

[ChuckFickens]

you can't backup programs like that, they need to be reinstalled from the original disk or downloaded file.