SOMETIMES - You Can pull settings out of the Windows Old folder for some programs, like if there is a file in there that contains a configuration, you can save that out, re-install the program, then drag the config file back in and it should then have the same preferences you had set up. But this only works, if you keep the same Computer Name, User name, network name, etc.
Usually, when a Program is installed, it not only installs to Program Files, but it also sends data to \Users\(User Name)\Appdata and sometimes to \User\All Users\Appdata and each appdata folder has three levels, Local, Locallow, and Remote. I don't know MS's logic in creating those extra folders, XP only had the one folder and it was easy to replace things. Any user who is sufficiently familiar with his system, will know pretty much which Programs put what folders and files where- I do, but it is years of use and looking and remembering.
I have re-installed Programs from The Old folder, but with only a 50% success rate for making them work again, it required moving stuff back to Appdata as well as Program files. Sometimes, they create folders and files in the Windows folder.
Usually the OLD folder exists so that you can retain all of your saved documents and images and music, if you used the conventional storage places for them - God forbid, I DON'T use standard storage areas. But most people do, so that's where all your stuff is.
As far as programs, get all your install disks lined up and ready for mass re-install- Including any program installers saved on your System which should be in "Downloads" in your "Old" folder. I'm a ratp[acker, I save every installer package for ccleaner, flash, java, etc, plus all my IPA and APK installers for iOS and Droid.