Retrieve backed-up applications

[computer novice]

I recently had problems with Windows XP start-up and reloaded Windows XP home
edition. I chose the backup/save applications before installing. Windows
has installed and the startup process is working great. I ran a virus scan
on the backup folder which came out negative.
Here's the problem: I don't know how to access any of my old files, music
on the computer. How do I retrieve applications such as I-Tunes or games so
I can use them again??

 

[smlunatick]

I recently had problems with Windows XP start-up and reloaded Windows XP home
edition.  I chose the backup/save applications before installing.  Windows
has installed and the startup process is working great.  I ran a virus scan
on the backup folder which came out negative.
Here's the problem:   I don't know how to access any of my old files, music
on the computer.  How do I retrieve applications such as I-Tunes or games so
I can use them again??  

Every "backed" up application will not ever be usable when you attempt
to restore them. Applications in Windows need to be "installed" into
Windows so that the correct "settings" are "applied" into the Windows
"configuration. Unless you either:

1) Restore the "entire" hard drive

OR

2) Restore the application "installer" file

then restoring installed applications will not "apply" the required
settings into Windows.

Therefore, you will need to reinstall all applications you want and
restore only your files (music, documents, emails, address book, saved
games etc...)