Backing up everything + file sharing help

[z00tie]

So my XP installation is pretty much pwned, slow as hell etc so I'm backing up all my stuff and going to reinstall with a linux dual boot (hopefully moving over for good after).

But there are a lot of things I need to do first.
I am on Win XP Pro, I have another PC running win XP Home.
Which would be easier / quicker? Moving files over FTP in very big rar files, over file sharing, or netbios?

I am on ISDN so I just hate reinstalling, there is just hours upon hours of updating all the software, is there a way to backup the windows update files?

Filesharing / netbios help.
I have followed guides, but I can't seem to get either happening. Netbios won't start on the XP pro machine, I started it in the connection options but when I run it from CMD prompt it says it's not started, and it just won't connect to the other machine to map a drive or share files, all firewalls disabled.

 

[raybay]

Have you explored for the infestations you most likely have?
Have you run the Windows XP Professional install disc in repair mode?

 

[DelJo63]

Which would be easier / quicker? Moving files over FTP in very big rar files, over file sharing, or netbios?

File Sharing would move data most quickly.

Consider getting an external USB HD, attaching it locally, and just duplicate
to the new device -- most quick of all choices

Make sure the USB HD is formated FAT32 (or vfat) if you intend to mount it
on Linux.