Backup and Restore do not mean the same thing and they do not serve the same purpose although .
Creating a "restore point" DOES backup parts of the registry.
System Restore is a utility provided in Windows ME, XP, and 2003. It creates a backup of the registry and certain system files so if a problem occurs, you can "restore back" to a previous time when the computer was working correctly. It DOES NOT create backups of personal documents such as those placed in the "My Documents" folder. It also is not a "backup" should the computer's hard drive die or malfunction.
As such, you should always make "backups" of your important documents, drivers, and progams that can't be replaced easily. Burning those files and programs to a removable media such as a CD is one of the best ways to save those types of files. Most computers come with a "Recovery Disk" or partition which will reinstall all files and programs as it came from the factory. If there is no "Recovery CD" with the computer, they generally come with a Windows installation CD and program CD which will install the files and programs on the computer. If you combine the Recovery CD and your personal documents saved to a CD and you should be able to reinstall everything should your hard driver head south. "Backups" are exactly that. A "backup" to your system, should it die.
HOpe this helps.
Grif
Is "backup" and "restore" the same thing? Do they serve the same purpose? Does "creating a restore point" backup my registry? Thanks

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