I Windows Xp when system files are corrupted or damaged by virus, I can use a WinPE boot disk to boot to WinPE environment, and then recovery system files from C:\System Volume Information\_restore{xxxxxxx...}\RPXXX\Snapshot and restore one of saved registry files to overwrite registry files in C:\Windows\System32\Config folder. Windows 7 and Vista do not work this way any more. I am wondering how I can recover system files in Windows 7 and Vista. I do not see a forum about Windows 7 disaster recovery. I can be pointed to a right forum. Thank you very much. Stephen

Here's all there is too it really http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Restore-your-computer-from-a-system-image-backup very easyMCSE, MCSA, MCDST [If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

Hi,You can access WinRE using F8 at the boot menu. Select Repair Your Computer to start WinRE. You can also boot from your Windows 7 installation disc or without any disc to perform a repair install instead without losing anything.

Thanks cdobbs for the response. I am aware of the new Windows Vista and 7 recovery from setup disk or recovery disk. However, that recovery process does not give me the flexibility to recover system and/or software registry files as I could do to Windows XP systems. In Windows 7 recovery disk, the System Restore option would restore the system into an ealier state. However, a few times in the past, when a Windows XP was hit by a bad virus, simply restore to an earlier state won't fix the problem. I had to overwrite the software registry file to fix the problem. Windows 7 does not seem to support that. And in C:\System Volume Information folder, there are no registry snap shots available as it does in Windows XP system. I guess that the system restore function must have created backup registry files somewhere. I would like to know if I can manually overwrite these system files as I could do in Windows XP. Thanks.

Thanks cdobbs for the response. I am aware of the new Windows Vista and 7 recovery from setup disk or recovery disk. However, that recovery process does not give me the flexibility to recover system and/or software registry files as I could do to Windows XP systems. In Windows 7 recovery disk, the System Restore option would restore the system into an ealier state. However, a few times in the past, when a Windows XP was hit by a bad virus, simply restore to an earlier state won't fix the problem. I had to overwrite the software registry file to fix the problem. Windows 7 does not seem to support that. And in C:\System Volume Information folder, there are no registry snap shots available as it does in Windows XP system. I guess that the system restore function must have created backup registry files somewhere. I would like to know if I can manually overwrite these system files as I could do in Windows XP.Thanks. hi , maybe you have to use other software for it ?i use search and recover from iolo.com with avast you have like a Virus Recovery DataBase , its rather good and will protect the files and restore them undamaged or you can use an onlin or external back up have a nice dayScan with OneCare + 50 Windows 7even Tips + Plagued by the Privacy Center? REMOVE IT + Threat Research & Response Blog + Sysinternals Live tools + TRANSLATOR+ Photosynth + Microsoft Security + Microsoft SUPPORT + PIVOT from Live Labs + Microsoft Live Labs + Office 2010 beta + Get Windows LIVE!

hi , sync is a great tool to back up your files , ... http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-beta the new beta with live devices --------------------------------------------------------------- https://sync.live.com/ the current version enjoy ! have a nice dayScan with OneCare + Support ENDING for windows Vista & XP ! + Plagued by the Privacy Center? REMOVE IT + Threat Research & Response Blog + Sysinternals Live tools + TRANSLATOR + Photosynth + Microsoft Security + Microsoft SUPPORT + PIVOT from Live Labs + Microsoft Live Labs + Get OFFICE 2010 FREE ! + Windows LIVE !