eRecovery backup -- always a fresh install? or snapshot?

Forgive my ignorance... but...

Does the eRecovery Backup function take a snapshot of your current data, or will it always be of the factory defaults of a fresh install? It recommends that you make this backup before *using* the aspire one, so that made me think that you don't want to install programs first. Can someone clarify this for me please?

Also, is there a way to reinstall to the factory default/fresh install of XP ***without*** any of that bloatware crap (mcafee, google, etc) pre-installed?

Thanks!

 

If you did this, it wouldn't be a default install :lol: Sorry, I feel your pain but couldn't resist.
It is certainly possible to take a snapshot of a working system, which could then be restored as desired. That what I do with my Linux installations. Something like System Rescue CD should do the trick for you - it's worth a look.

 

My XP experience has been that it is ALWAYS a fresh install, not a backup - bloatware included. You might search the forums to see if someone has an ISO w/o all the bloatware. But It might turn out to be more trouble than it's worth.