Reinstalling System

I recently had a hard drive crash and was able to restore using a SuperDuper clone I had made. However, this clone had the system software that was installed a while ago when I first bought Tiger. If there are were any corrupt files, they were of course restored too from the clone. Can I reinstall my system over the existing system and data so any corrupted system files would be overwritten with fresh copies? I'm trying trying to end up with a clean system without losing any data, application settings, or system settings. Too much to ask for?
Thanks,
Dan Borden

Yes - do an "archive & install" from the Apple Install CD/DVD and be sure to choose the option to preserve users. Then use Software Update to get up to the current version.

Thanks Hayne. I remember reading a few horror stories a while back about doing this. Is this procedure more reliable, or were these cases just the exception?
Dan

I remember reading a few horror stories a while back about doing this. Is this procedure more reliable, or were these cases just the exception?
Dan
I don't recall any reports of problems. Do you have any URLs you can point us to that describe such problems?

You always need to have a backup. And if you have a backup, you needn't be worried as you can just revert to your backup.
But it is very rare that doing an "archive & install" would screw up. Things that might cause problems are:
- inadequate disk space for the install
- a filesystem that is already corrupted (you should do "Repair Disk" from the Install CD/DVD first)
- loss of power during the install

If memory serves, it may have been a letter to the editor of MacWorld or some publication. I'm glad it seems to work without a hitch. That said, I'll follow your advice regarding having an up to date back up and running Disk Repair first.
Thanks