Possible to save programs through a format?

[Funhat]

Ok, sorry the thread title isn't the best, but the question is a bit long. Here is the scenario:

Started a new job, my computer isn't in yet, so i'm using a very slow "loaner" for the next week or so. In the meantime I opted to use personal laptop, which is also quite slow, yet a bit better than the loaner.

The laptop in question is a bit old, but it should be able to do the tasks I need it for just fine. I have been using CCleaner to try and clean things up a bit, but to no avail, so I figure my best option is just to reformat.

I have a few programs on this laptop that I will need to use for work, but unfortunately I no longer have installation disks, so upon a format, I will lose them and be unable to get them back.

My actual question is the following: If I were to create a virtual drive, move these programs over to it, and then format C:, would I be able to transfer them back over to C after the format (and reinstall of Windows), and have them still work, or would the fact that the format erased them from the registry make it so that they no longer work, and would need to be re-installed?

Thanks!

TL;DR Will the windows file system allow me to move programs from one drive to another and still work?

 

[MustISO]

Depends on if the program requires files to be installed and registry keys created. It's possible you could just copy the directories and the registry keys and have everything work but it really depends on the program.

 

[Funhat]

The programs are MS Word and Excel, so i'm guessing they probably have registry entries right?

 

[pete1229]

You could always download an ISO of Ubuntu and use Open Office for your word processor and spreadsheets until you are up and running with your new laptop. Wipe the c drive on the slow laptop, install a fresh copy of ubuntu and off you go. Just a suggestion.

You can of coarse also use Open Office with windows and if you have any data on the old slow, save it, before you format as those files will work with open office.