accidently did a complete system recovery

I accidently did a complete systen recovery and lost everything back to the installed computer. I have a compaq presario with windows XP Service Pack 1, version 5.1. I'm trying to get everything back, but I am not computer literate, and I'm dirt poor. Most of my programs I had won't work with my factory installed operating system. Can anyone help me, give me step by step instructions on how to get my computer back up and running effectively? Thanks!

 

What programs won't work on the factory install?

Do you have an Anti Virus as of now? If yes update, as factory installs usually have a trial AV. If there is no AV, let us know.

Then update your drivers etc from the Compac site. Do a windows update.

But once again what programs are your talking about?

 

Just to add if the programs were installed *after market* You will need to reinstall. Also all data, photos, music etc has now been wiped - if you've restored to factory.
Sorry, bud I feel for you. If you've got broad band, you should be set up and good to go pretty quick. Cheers..

 

If you only have SP1, you have many hours of Windows Update time ahead of you to bring the OS up to date. That includes Microsoft NetFramework, DirectX, and getting Flashplayer from Adobe for starters. How quickly this goes will depend on your connection speed, processor, and installed memory. I recommend running Windows update first, and obtaining all service packs first. If you don't have the loot, go to cnet.com, and in the downloads section go to security software. There you will find AVG free edition for virus protection, and Spybot search and destroy for Spyware protection. AVG updates automatically, and you need to update Spybot manually at least weekly.