how much of my config can be saved in a fresh install

[Claude Jones]

My system is experimental, a Linux learning box. It's got so many problems at 
this point that I want to just start over. What can I save? I know there's a 
lot of configuration stuff in my home folder. Should I back up all those 
files - will I be reintroducing problems by trying to apply them? Are there 
other files/folders I should back up? Any suggestions and comments would be 
appreciated. I'm thinking of things like my Kmail files and such - most of 
the stuff I just want to rebuild from scratch. 
-- 
Claude Jones
Bluemont, VA, USA