Overlay backup files to C: to restore registry

If malware is suspected and you have a good backup copy of C: drive on an external Maxtor drive, can you overlay this backup on C: to restore registry?

 

By backup, do you mean image?

 

Yes....I mean image....I believe.

 

If the image was made before the suspected malware, then the computer would be clean. The first thing to do after loading the image is to update all your security programs and windows patches so you don't get hit with anything again.