I didn’t need to create a backup personally as I have a copy of every version of XP, and had already downloaded all of the drivers for the S9e from the Lenovo website. The system utilised by Lenovo is not very new user friendly, and their not including a DVD with all of the software on it, is just cheap. I know exactly how to use backup software, but to be honest much prefer Drive Image. This was about how a poor system can really impact on a new user’s experience.

As for Toshba’s recovery, and it’s system for creating restore DVDs – it must be better than Lenovo, due to the very fact that it allows you to create your own DVD!

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/IdeaPad-S-series-Netbooks/How-to-do-a-recovery-on-S9e/m-p/131195;jsessionid=DE81F67FB14FD58E2000C94AFFF267F5

It’s such a tricky system for users that a Lenovo forum user had to create their own HOW TO for the S10e (the S9e with a larger screen), to create proper recovery media.

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/IdeaPad-S-series-Netbooks/Guide-Create-Recovery-Media-for-an-Ideapad-S10/td-p/115340

Did you ever consider using ntbackup(if this is Windows XP). At least that way you can have some sort of backup.

As for the RnR failure, it was most likely due to the fact you installed or uninstalled something you weren’t supposed to without doing the proper maintenance, for example, you may have uninstalled a CD/DVD burning application, OR Installed one improperly, thus the upper and lower filters in your windows registry would be corrupted, effecting any kind of burning to any drive.

You seem like a hap-hazard kind of user, and well…nuff said. Why not explore the options available to you. I have used RnR and it works just fine when used as intended. I have backups of all of my ThinkPads. The Ideapad is a simpler machine, I have not used RnR on it, instead i backup to external hard disks using another reliable backup software that is free, ntbackup.exe in windows xp. Learn to use it!!