OK we need to step back a little. You did not mention your operating system nor the program you use to create your back up image. If you have Vista or Windows 7 it comes with a back up utility. XP does not so you need a third party program such as Acronis True Image or similar. From what I can see you external drive came with no back up program installed on it. Using your HP recovery disks will return the computer to the state it was when you first opened the box and set your machine up. All data will be lost unless it is backed up. All bloatware will be installed again, exactly as it left the factory. Restoring an image created in Vista, Win7 or third party software however returns the computer to the exact state it was in when you created that particular image. Some (perhaps all) programs offer incremental backups, in other words they add stuff onto the previous back up. Personally I never allow that, I always create a new image then delete the older one. There is no specific reason for that, it is just one of my many quirks.

I have been trying to correct the same problem with my HP with Vista 32 bit. After reformatting, it is there but doesn't stay long. I tried to find a fix but everything I found required a fix in the registry. In my own research I did find the fix he used, but was afraid to try it on my own and I still had a warranty. I finally called a tech and he walked me to the MS site and had me download a fix for it. Worked. I saved the fix, but it's on my lap top. If you think it could help you I will see if I can find out where I got it and the name.

you may be much better off simply using an imaging program and simply create an image of the system so that should something happen you can simply use that image to restore the pc, operating system and all. You can buy image programs like Acronis True image but there are a few good free ones. Here is a link to an article that evaluates a few. 8 free software to image/backup/ghost your computer (free alternatives to Acronis True Image, Norton Ghost, etc.). then once you have that program you can create new images every so often so they are up to date. you can back up to dvd or cd or flash drive or an external usb drive. If you need to get your windows cert key number from that pc in case you do not know what it is you can download this neat little program that will give you that info and it would also be a great idea to install belarc and let it run a scan and you can print off the info so you know exactly what is on that pc. Belarc Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v2.0.1

Thanks to all who responded. Had posted on the LandzDown forum for help in getting rid of the virus which had resulted in the Dell computer misdirecting links, as well as not being able to obtain Windows updates. Computer was locking up as I tried to follow the Landzdown helper's instructions. After several hours of fits and starts (and a nap!), have just posted what was requested and am now awaiting the news. Regardless of the outcome, I would still like to have the option to do a complete recovery -- just as I've always been able to do on my Compaq/HP computers. Azinoh and Genes -- I had tried those options without success, but maybe it's because of the computer brand -- don't know. Seems like it should work. Might on somebody else's computer! LOL Owbist -- Afraid your instructions were beyond my capabilites. Don't know of anyone who has another copy of Windows (but then, my friends know even less than I do...). Went to the Dell site, started choosing all of of those relevant things I'd need, and realized I wasn't sure about half of them. Was going to download them anyway and hope I'd chosen correctly, but when I tried to register and was asked for a mandatory account number (and something else I've forgotten), I chose nothing after all. Better leave that route for somebody who knows what they're doing. (Are you available?? Ha) Jane - Haven't used instant messaging in years and, frankly, didn't see that on Dell's site. If I were able to just type out and post the problem like on a regular forum, I'd be more comfortable. I may do what you suggest, though, if the virus problem gets healed. I need to know how to do a recovery! It's always been a great, though time-consuming, safety net when all else has failed. Much appreciation for all of you taking the time and thought to help.