I have a E machine/Windows xp. I want to do a full system restore (with back up) NOT full system restore (destructive). I am not doing a RECOVERY just incase those two words get mixed up. It says it will save all data, however all applications and settings will need to be reinstalled. Exactly what does this mean? Does that mean I will have to reinstall my Photoshop or Nero Burner...programs I guess because they will be whipped out. Just want to make sure what they mean by applications, I know what they mean about settings. Thanks

Are you talking about XP's built-in System Restore function? Or restoring from a backup or CD? Life is more painless for those who are brainless.

Good question...a back up cd that came with the E machine. Guess that would have helped ;}

Use the backup utility that came with XP...it's free and easy. You'll only need to reinstall the OS and restore your backup should there be a catastrophic failure. Here's an MS link that describes the use of it: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...

I think you have System Restore and backup confused. System Restore will restore your system to an earlier time. Data and applications will not be effected unless you restore to a time before the particular application (Software Program) was installed. If you're talking about backup, then you can run the XP File and Settings Transfer Wizard to save your data and profile settings. You could then reload your computer (install XP from scratch) and reinstall all your programs, then importing your files and settings from the backup. I'm not sure if what you have from E-machines is a Restore (to factory settings) CD or something else. Perhaps some clarification would help. Life is more painless for those who are brainless.

I have the Emachine Microsoft Windows xp HE System Recovery cd/dvd that came with the Emachine. Im mad now as I type because the cd says Recovery not restore which while loading the cd it uses the words RESTOR instead of recovery. Thats why I used the restore term. I can see how this-was confusing. Anyways, it says on the dc that it is used to re-install the operating system, programs and drivers. After it loads the files it gives me two choices...full system restore (with back up) or (destructive). I want to choose (back up) It says it will save all data, however all applications and settings will need to be reinstalled. Exactly what does this mean? Does that mean I will have to reinstall my Photoshop or Nero Burner...programs I guess because they will be whipped out. Just want to make sure what they mean by applications, I know what they mean about settings. My main question is...when they say applications does that mean programs I have installed such as Photo Shop. Because if thats true, I need to go a different route so I won't lose everything. Thanks for checkin in and helping.

Yes. That's what that means. You will need to reinstall all your applications/programs and reconfigure your profile settings. You won't lose "everything." Run the File and Settings transfer wizard in XP. Then, run your restore CD and after that, reinstall all the applications. If you've installed them, you should have the media. Correct? Why the need to go this process to begin with? Is there a problem you're attempting to correct by reverting to the Factory Restore cd? Life is more painless for those who are brainless.