Broonie <broonie27********.com> wrote:
> Hi There,
>
> I might be being a bit stupid here but what is the point in having the
> ability to restore sytem state using the Backup Utility in XP when
> there is already the System Restore functionality. As far as I am
> aware system state backs up the registry, system files, boots files
> and +Com stuff but no program files where as System Restore will
> include all program files.
>
> If I can't boot into Windows for whatever reason I can't get to the
> Backup Utility but I can get into the System restore from Safe Mode
> with command prompt. Can someone please explain a scenario where I
> would restore a System State using the Backup Utility instead of using
> System Restore?

System restore isn't for backup purposes. It's for recovery (sometimes there
are air quotes around that) from Something Bad, such as a malware
infestation or software blowout.

Now, if your hard drive blows up and you have a system state backup, you can
restore your user accounts & groups, I guess. I don't use it on
workstations. If I back up workstations at all, I use cloning/imaging
software (I like Acronis TrueImage).