I just got a MacBook pro os 10.4.11, do I format and start from scratch, or just trash all existing non so files

Mac's Hard drive is full of pics, home videos, it's all been backed up to an external HD. Do I risk formatting and reinstalling everything that seems to be working fine?

Thanks , did it but  I may have to do it again. While installing, I had the external attached, did manage to disconect it without wiping it, TG. but after my install, the fresh OS couldn't open files on the external. So I connected the ED to my old IMac and everything was there, opened fine. So I ran disk utility, first aid, first verified, confirmed verification, repaired permissions and so on. (all of which have no idea exactly what it does) but it fixed it. I hooked that ED to the MacBook Pro and files opened, no problem. It's up and running fine, quite fast, however..
I did not see this last reply from Kappy. Thanks by the way. I did not notice the (smart status), and I must have partitioned, (don't remember doing it) because when I ran disk utility yesterday, it did say " jurneled" somewhere.   My concern is my MBP does seem to take a while to boot, the chord sound plays right away, but it does seem to take longer to reach desk top. I had some crashes yesterday, while editing in IMovie but that's before I DU. After DU she still seems the take a bit longer to display the Mac  OSX loading screen. Maybe it just me.
I'll see how it goes from here on, will redo as u have suggested above, if problems appear or if u have any suggestions as how I can test my install to insure everything is correct and  uncorripted? One problem I do have is that ITunes will not connect, I understand this it a common problem with the MacBookPro running OS 10.4.11, on an early intel albumin case, because u cant run newer itunes on it. But some have suggested i might try an earlier itunes that may work? also this unit has lost it's display at one point, it did not reappear until it was hooked up to an external display, the external worked, and after playing wt the settings, I got the inboard one  back, although it has momentarily gone out a few times since, and I do understand this is a bad chip common to these units, but we all have to live in hope.
Again u have been great, I'm looking forward to transferring some of my GarageBand projects over from my iPad sine the one on the Mac has soo many more advantages, problem is, can't until I tunes works. I can only send songs that are completed. One step at a time, thanks, Daaaaat

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