A method by which a computer engages in backup and restore operations, comprising: during normal operation, periodically performing a backup operation during which the computer copies user files and system files from source storage of the computer to a separate backup system for persistent storage thereon, the system files including sets of restore-point files from the source storage, the restore-point files having been created by an operating system of the computer and each set of restore-point files being constituents of the operating system at a corresponding point in time; and during a subsequent restoration operation: accessing a recovery storage device made accessible to the computer, the recover storage device storing a recovery program and copies of the user files and system files as persistently stored by the backup system; operating the computer in a limited-functionality recovery mode including (a) executing the recovery program to restore the restore-point files from the recovery storage device to target storage of the computer, and (b) executing a system restore function of the computer with a selected set of the restored restore-point files to restore the operating system as constituted at the corresponding point in time; and subsequently operating the computer in a full-functionality operating mode including (a) executing the operating system as so restored, and (b) executing the recovery program to restore the user files from the recovery storage device to the computer for subsequent normal use by a user of the computer. during normal operation, periodically performing a backup operation during which the computer copies user files and system files from source storage of the computer to a separate backup system for persistent storage thereon, the system files including sets of restore-point files from the source storage, the restore-point files having been created by an operating system of the computer and each set of restore-point files being constituents of the operating system at a corresponding point in time; and during a subsequent restoration operation: accessing a recovery storage device made accessible to the computer, the recover storage device storing a recovery program and copies of the user files and system files as persistently stored by the backup system; operating the computer in a limited-functionality recovery mode including (a) executing the recovery program to restore the restore-point files from the recovery storage device to target storage of the computer, and (b) executing a system restore function of the computer with a selected set of the restored restore-point files to restore the operating system as constituted at the corresponding point in time; and subsequently operating the computer in a full-functionality operating mode including (a) executing the operating system as so restored, and (b) executing the recovery program to restore the user files from the recovery storage device to the computer for subsequent normal use by a user of the computer. accessing a recovery storage device made accessible to the computer, the recover storage device storing a recovery program and copies of the user files and system files as persistently stored by the backup system; operating the computer in a limited-functionality recovery mode including (a) executing the recovery program to restore the restore-point files from the recovery storage device to target storage of the computer, and (b) executing a system restore function of the computer with a selected set of the restored restore-point files to restore the operating system as constituted at the corresponding point in time; and subsequently operating the computer in a full-functionality operating mode including (a) executing the operating system as so restored, and (b) executing the recovery program to restore the user files from the recovery storage device to the computer for subsequent normal use by a user of the computer.