I assume you're using a PC.
Don't blame Apple for your failure to backup your computer. 
PC yes.
I backup across my home network and just restored the files from the network when I needed to reload windows. I keep my data organized to allow quick transfer of new CAD and other files quickly, although it takes quite a while across the wireless. I have two extra large drives in my desktop.

The problem I found is the restored data would did not format with names and playlists in Itunes, basically obliterating a year of putzing around in Itunes.
Thanks for the suggestions, I will look those over, do you use them?