How can I get my data from windows.old?

Hey guys, first time poster in... anything really.

So today my computer decided it didn't like windows 7 anymore and said it was a un-registered version. So I put the install disk in and ran that again. Unfortunately it was for Home Premium so it put all of my old files and setups and everything into a window.old folder.
I can access it and move things around in it, but can I restore the system from that folder?
I have Ultimate installed already and I can't move most things across, it won't let me.

Really annoyed by this as it has all my Pictures and Files and Games and such in that folder.

Any help would be appreciated.

Sorry if this is in the wrong thread too, I wasn't sure where to put it :/

What is your licensed version of Win7 on the Dell COA sticker on bottom of laptop or under battery? That's the version you should have installed, as shown in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Ultimate doesn't ship with consumer PC"s, so where did you get it?

If you're annoyed it should be because you had no backup plan and just decided to act randomly. Windows.old is not a backup plan. Your files might be in their folders under C:\YourUserName. But you should always back up your files before reinstall, actually keep them backed up at all times as you could have a HD failure. Here's a method to Sync, Backup and Store your Files to the Cloud with Skydrive - Windows 7 Help Forums.

It's actually one that a friend gave me, so I'm not sure if it was real, however windows activation said that it was. The version that came with the computer is Home Premium.

And yeah, I know I should have backed it up. I have only just changed the hard drive, the old one went to the ps3.
Tanks for the link though, that will be handy.

If you stick with the tools and methods in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 then you will get and keep a perfect install.

Okay then, thanks. :)