Windows Vista Using Backup/Restore in Vista Home Edition

The Backup Restore center in the Home Premium edition does NOT have the "Complete PC Backup" option that is available in the Business, Ultimate and Enterprise Editions.

I do weekly backups to an external disk. But assuming I have a disk crash and have to install a totally empty hard drive ...

Is the backup done via the Home Edition sufficient to "totally restore" after a hard drive crash, i.e. if I had to replace a trashed hard drive could I restore my entire system from the back including operating system, installed software, registry, data files, user accounts etc in "one easy step "?

If yes ... could you point me to a place where these recovery steps are described (e.g. boot from a Vista CD, etc ...)

If no ... I assume I install from scratch the os, additional software, create the user accounts etc ... then use the backup to at least get back my document files.

If Vista backup in Home Edition isn't sufficient/appropriate for a "total reinstall" what is?

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the "Complete PC Backup" feature is designed to allow you install a new empty drive, boot from CD and restore from backup ... and presto ... correct os, registry, software ... and double chocolate sundae for dessert. Is this correct?