Backup and Restore Question

[thomase13]

I was looking to reinstall Windows XP on my T60p since it has slowed down and developed a number of problems over the years with corrupted system files, (e.g., Open/Save dialog issues, Firefox's menu bar is corrupted, Windows Media Player won’t roll back below version 10 anymore, etc.)
But then I thought that instead of ordering a restore disc, I should just use a Rescue and Recovery Backup from a few years ago!

What I'm wondering is the easiest way to restore files and system settings. Files and Settings Transfer Wizard? System Migration Assistant?
I've used the latter before, but I was actually migrating between systems, not just to a earlier version of the same system.
My greatest concern is the retention of metadata, especially for "date created" which seems to be lost quite often!
I'm doing a full disk image with Macrium Reflect just in case something goes terribly wrong, but I don't know how easy it is to just extract files and settings from this.

Thanks,
Thomas

[theterminator93]

I don't typically venture into restoring settings - however (assuming XP) all your files are under C:\Documents and Settings\%username%. Normally I'll take a backup of that entire directory then selectively restore the sub directories (e.g. desktop/documents etc.). I've never actually tried the built-in migration wizards before, but it may be worth a shot.

You can move your entire Firefox profile (it's under application data, a hidden folder) over which includes your bookmarks, history, saved passwords etc. Here's an article about that: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/transfer ... 78755.html