Since updating my SpySweeper program, my computer is acting up, the SS guys have no answers, and it also appears that other programs are acting up - so it may be time to restore my primary drive (C:).  

I have been able to sweep for Viruses, Malware etc so that is not the problem.

Running Ghost 10. I have never restored before and need some questions answered first.

Running a Dell 8400, WinXP-ProSP2, 2 HDD (the original Dell with C: and the 2 hidden Dell partitions-other than these 2 hidden partions, the drive is 1 large NTFS partition) and a Seagate drive with 4 partitions (one of which contains the Ghost backups), also have a CD (D:) and a DVD burner (E:).

I want to restore the C: drive back to what it was before the SpySweeper upgrade. So my understanding is:

Pls confirm that I do nothing to the drive I want to restore, no delete, format etc.

1) I want to use  Recover My Computer (Chapter 11, page93)
2) I use the WinPE Start up disk
3) Select Recover My Computer and locate the recovery point I want to use (my recovery point includes the C: drive and the 2 hidden Dell partions) - OK?
4) Select Express since I want everything put back on the drive exactly as it was?
5) Select the Destination drive as the one where C: is now (the original Dell drive)?
6) No need to Delete drive since disk had plenty of partition space?
Option questions:
1) Check for file system errors after recovery?
2) Resize drive to fill unallocated space?  All space was allocated when backed up, will restore use same entire drive? Or do I need to do something here?
3) Set drive as active - I assume yes since this is Windows and the boot drive?
4) Partition type - I assume Primary?
5) Restore original disk signature - I assume no since this is XP?
6) Restore Master Boot Record - I assume yes?
7) Preserve domain trust token on destination? - I'm not on a network per se, use a router hooked to a cable modem with Time Warner?
8) Reboot when finished - yes?

I want my Dell drive exactly the way it was, with 1 large NTFS partition, the C: drive restored, and the 2 hidden partitions restored (think they are FAT32). Also want my other drives/partitions to stay the same including letters.  Will this do this?

I think this is it, pls answer every question/step with additional comments so I can use this as my roadmap.  Pls do not refer me elsewhere as my computer is erratic and I may not get there - pls answer here.

Thank you so much for assistance.

Thanks so much.  Only clarification is regarding the MBR.
The Chapter does not mention when to use this, are you dead sure that it is only for a new disk?  I though the MBR also contained file names and other stuff.  If so that stuff is different on the current MBR vs the older restore point.

Brian, if you are there now pls stay awhile as I am ready to do my restore and nervous as h---.

It is in the process as we speak 

Sorry for the delay - needed to get all back in order fast.

YES, it did work

Only issue was that SpySweeper restore.  I use both Norton Internet Security 2007 and SpySweeper.  No problem with NIS - just to re-update.  SpySweeper however could not find its maleware files, and advised program corrupt and to reinstall.  I did a reinstall over the exisiting program and all is well

Interestingly when Ghost came up in the WinPE, it did locate all backups auto selected all the partitions on my Dell (Disk 1) drive.  I removed all but the Local C: partition, and did a Custom selection.  As you advised, I left the MBR unchecked (I was confusing this with the NTFS MFT in my question), I did leave the  restore disk signature checked even though it does not refer to WinXP but does to Win2000 which some programs consider the same. No problem - still dont know if I needed to or not, but all is well.

A miracle in its own rite.

Thanks to this forum and your responses.

Now a question due to the SpySweeper item.  Would it be best on future backups it one closes down "active" programs such as maleware and virus programs ?   NIS did not appear to suffer but then Ghost being a Symantec program also may know how to deal with NIS when makeing the backup image??