Before I update my firmware...

[graceless]

... what steps should I take to make sure that I don't lose anything?

Programs (paid or not) I should get to assist this process?
Critical things/files I should make sure I don't miss?

Etc.

Help please...

[Cybrid]

... what steps should I take to make sure that I don't lose anything?

Programs (paid or not) I should get to assist this process?
Critical things/files I should make sure I don't miss?

Etc.

Help please...

Make backups using Sprite or SPB (WM5 only)
make a list of all installed apps (you'll need to reinstall)
sync to computer, then upgrade
restore Backup to device but only non system related files!
Re-install apps, app licenses
Backup again and make routine backups.

[graceless]

Thanks mate.

Will these backup programs allow for saved games, etc, to be restored to the programs?

[Cybrid]

Thanks mate.

Will these backup programs allow for saved games, etc, to be restored to the programs?Yes. it can. Sprite (the one I use and am most familiar with) allows for full backups which will save everything. It will restore as if you had never hard reset. With a ROM upgrade, you shoulldn't restore system files and registry because that changes and you may get conflicts that way. You'd do a partial restore making sure that the saved game files are included in the restore (They are not part of the system files and registry but may save to a location not normally used i.e. most data gets saved to the "my documents" folder and most games save their files there but some will save in program files. Once their location is known, you can select restore those files only and having reinstalled the program and license keys...you'll be good to go.