Delete and reinstall

[Dr.Arcane]

SMF Version: SMF 1.1 RC3
What's the best way to delete all SMF files and reinstall without losing my existing database?

Backup, then do a complete fresh install, then restore?
or
Backup, then do a partial fresh install minus certain files using existing database?

[IchBin™]

I'm not sure about the "best way", but I would think that you could setup SMF and install it to a new database. Then run repair_settings.php and change it to point to your original database.

[Dr.Arcane]

Maybe an additional question before I do anything.

What DOESN'T get saved in the database? Themes and mods obviously. What else?

[IchBin™]

Files like attachments and avatars also.