? about restoring files to original places

How do I restore files to their orignal places after replacing a hard drive and reinstalling windows on my laptop?

The hard drive on my Inspiron 1525 failed and I had to replace it and reinstall Vista.  All the files from my laptop were backed up on my Passport Essential portable hard drive with its WD SmartWare program.  I have reinstalled the WD SmartWare program.  When I try to restore the backed up files from my Passport it will not allow me to restore them to their original places. Is there a way to make it work?  If not what is the best way to get the files to their correct  places?

Thanks for any help,

Kristi

Since you reformat your comp already, its not possible to restore them to the original places. All you need to do is to restore them to a retrieve content folder. http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3829/session/L3RpbWUvMTM2MjEyNDg3OS9zaWQvY3lVa3gya2w%3D

I was afraid of that.  Thanks for the response.