BleepingComputer.com: Restoring Files

OK first post, lets see how I go. I recently had a major failure on my notebook PC that prevented me from booting to my harddrive and consequently Windows (Vista Home Premium). I was able to copy all my files (hopefully but unable to save Windows Vista files to an external drive using Linux (Ubunta). I have bought a new harddrive and will install Windows Vista Home Premium to the new harddrive.

My question is how do I reinstall all the files, ie programs, email, documents and so forth seemlessley to Windows. I have some of the install files for some of the programs I have, but a lot that I purchased over the net I did not backup - I just ran them. I realise and in hind sight most certainly should have created backups for the bought files, but I did not so now I must seek a way to recover the programs with what I have and some serious help from the members here.

I would appreciate any help that the members here can offer.

Data files are easy to copy over. Programs are a different story since many applications create registry entries when they are installed. If you downloaded programs and still accessthe install files, you're good to go. You will be able to copy over saved files from the programs, such as work projects or saved games, once the application has been reinstalled.

If you use a generic Windows disk to install Vista, you'll have a generic installation and may even need to install drivers.
If you use a factory disk to restore Windows, it'll come back to the way it was the day it left the factory.
Any programs past that, you'll have to download and install again. Most reputable companies will have records of your purchase so that you can re-download them.

Each program will have a different method for importing your old data - some will just need a straight copy while others will need to be imported by using that option in the menu of the program.