What should I back up?

[MrNatewood]

I intend to format and make a fresh install.
I figured all I need to back up are the hidden files&folders in my home directory.
After doing a little more research, I think I also need to backup /etc.

Before I do something so drastic, I Just want to make sure there aren't any other configuration files.

So i guess my question is are there other configuration files I should backup?

[oboedad55]

I intend to format and make a fresh install.
I figured all I need to back up are the hidden files&folders in my home directory.
After doing a little more research, I think I also need to backup /etc.

Before I do something so drastic, I Just want to make sure there aren't any other configuration files.

So i guess my question is are there other configuration files I should backup?

I always keep my /home directory baked up. I just did a new install of karmic and just copied over the stuff from the old one. Works well for me and is pretty quick. I had installed the beta and updated it all along but had weird problems with it. A fresh install of 9.10 cured its ills.