It seems to be a rather problem intensive week (or so) for me and " The Mule". I seem to have found a fitting name for the most stubborn computer I've ever owned. OK the problem I am having is not being able to "reinstall" all of my programs and settings like all the books and materials say I should be able to do with EASE! We ended up doing a complete system clean up resulting in refurbishing the unit back to cave dwelling times. This project was working with a HP phone tech, I didn't even screw it all up by myself this time. Whew!! I had already backed up the "whole" system to DVD's (3 +) using the Vista Home Premium Backup and Restore program. I thought this would be a piece of cake to restore; however, after 4 days thus far I still have a fine running unit with a stack of DVD's next to her containing all of my files, short-cuts,programs that didn't come with The Mule, and basically 8+gbt's of very essential "stuff".
So far nothing I have tried from any one of 4 or 5 Vista "cookbooks", any online help, nor anything I"ve thought of, has put this info back where it belongs. PLEASE HELP!! (my wife is making me even Nuttier) TERRY

If you used Vista Backup Files feature then goto
Start --Control Panel --Backup and Restore Center -- Click Restore Files Button -- Choose the files from the DVD you want to restore

Windows Vista Premium Restore Demo

Vista actually has one of the best back-up programs for ease of use...

But if you didn't use the restore program of vista, then you must manually reinstall the old software(Programs) that didnot come with your computer. By re-installing them the correct folders with then show up and you can copy or drag and drop the files back into the appropriate folders.

Vista Home Premium and Basic do not have whole computer backup enabled, you can only backup files with Home Premium and Basic not programs or system state.

You are so right. I keep forgetting about all the various vista installations and what they don't use in the Ultimate version!