Vista - Open documents and restore windows mail settings and emails after backup

Hi i know there have been previous posts on this but i would appreciate ur help

I restored my files from a backup after resinstallng windows.1) How do u put all the files back to where they previously were so u have all programs u previously had - or does it do it automaticlly after u run restore?
2) I cannot open any files(text docs or pdf) and all of my word documents have dissapeared. I downloaded a program of this site here called "add take ownership" and it succeeded in playing music files but nothing else ?? Also will my word docs reappear after i reinstall my full version of office??
3)I cannot restore mail settings at all - which can be done manually so not too much hassle
4) i try to import my windows mail saved messages but get an error " not all files could be imported - an error has occured"
Im depressed as i am trying to run a business here i dont understand why they make it so hard...
Thanks so much for your help