[nmglug] "save the data" fresh install ubuntu 10.10

[a]

Greetings;
Would like to do fresh install to ubuntu 10.10 and as a novelty transfer
my previously existing /home folder, e-mail, et al.
I have been contemplating those two schools of thought: save the
data,with loose the data and would like to try the former.
Is there any forthcoming person out there who has experience with the
"save the data" method and with loading that data into a fresh install?
Thank you all,you all.
a