Most likely you will not have to configure any network settings to get internet backup. If you have broadband, Windows will detect your modem and everything is ready. If it doesn't detect it, just call up the cable company again and they will tell you over the phone how to configure it. For me, all I have to do is go into the Tools menu, Internet Options, Connections, LAN Settings and go into the Proxy Server and enter their address and port number initially. After that, everything is set back to automatic detections and things will be as they're suppose to be before the reformat. Maybe you can write what you have down before you reformat or call customer service for the walkthrough. They'll be glad to help you to get the internet running again.
Motherboard resources you can reinstall using the CD that comes with it. I hope you still have those. If you downloaded programs from p2p, then of course, get those backed up. Use your DVD burner to get all those downloaded music, programs, etc onto the DVD disc at one time. If you have the original retail CD of the game or whatever program you use, just use that to reinstall everything back. No need to backup the programs from the hard drive if you have the original CD. As far as backing up your settings from games, I have no clue. YOu'll have to know where to look for in the directory where your saved game files are stored. It's got to be in there somewhere. I just start over and play again from the beginning. Pathces, driver updates will have to be downloaded again or if you can back those up (from previous download-.exe file) that would be great. Since you have cable internet (?), downloading Windows Update and other drivers will be a breeze and be up and running in no time.
If you haven't so already, order a CD from Microsoft that has all the Windows Update including the SP1 and SP2. That way, you'll have minimal things to download. They are free. After reformatting and reinstall, your PC will be fast and good for another year. I usually "spring clean" my PC once a year and do a reformat and repartition.