My 10 yr old win 7 desktop might be on it's way out. I have 315 GB of data, apps, and OS. It is easy enough to transfer or backup data to ext HD, but program apps is a different matter. I want to be as proactive as I can before the ax falls. There are programs out there that profess to backup and transfer apps and settings, as well as folders.

I could buy a new PC and transfer.
Transfer to ext HD
Use a program to create a disk image
or, lastly, try and download new instances of old programs, and re-activate.

Advice please

Bernie