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Overview
Resetting the phone will remove all of the applications/widgets you have installed. Most of your phone settings are preserved and your contacts will be re-synced from MotoBlur, gmail and any other contact sources you have set up.
You must use the same gamil address that is associated with the google checkout account you purchased apps with.
Use the built-in backup feature of any apps you have installed.
If they backup to internal storage this will not work and the backup will be lost.
Reset Phone - Android 1.5
Menu -> Settings -> SD Card & Storage -> Factory Data Reset
Reset Phone - Android 2.1
Menu->Settings->Privacy
then tap Factory data reset.
Make sure you have a strong 3G connection or can access WiFi when resetting your phone.
After the Restart
When the phone restarts after the reset you will have to reenter your MotoBlur and Google account info. Be patient while the phone resyncs your contacts from MotoBlur and other sources.
After the reset I suggest that when you get to the first setup screen you hit the menu key and set up WiFi if possible. Syncing will be much faster. If you can't use WiFi make sure you are in a strong 3G coverage area.
There have been problems in the Android market with apps failing to show up if the developer changes the app status from protected to un-protected (and the reverse). I recommend backing up your apps locally using one of the solutions available in the market to prevent the complete loss of apps you have installed. Google says this is fixed.
If you received the limited release update the new fingerprint ( more info about phone fingerprints ) of the backflip also causes problems with some apps.
I don't know if backing up an apps apk locally will guarantee that you can reinstall the app, depending on the copy protection used. Apps backed up locally would have to be installed using one of the work-arounds for non-market apps.