Use Recovery Image or User Data Corrupted backup of Windows 10

Upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 . System started with error messages but a restart usually resolved.
Performed backup using the Windows 7 backup , system image and user data
System running extremely slow again, could not resolve it. Took 30 minutes to boot.
Repair shop found hard disk was failed, replaced it and did a clean install of Windows .


I am ready to do a restore of either the system image or user data from my backup. The backup is on an external USB drive, created using the backup and recovery program from Windows 7 available in Windows 10. There is a very strong possibility that my only backup has errors on it because the hard drive was failing when the backup was done. So, I am looking for the easiest way to repair any Windows files that are corrupted while keeping the user accounts and data in place should I use system image restore? Had many non Windows programs installed like Nero 2013, Mozilla Thunderbird email etc.


I know a reset with keep user apps will fix the corrupted Windows files but I would have to reinstall all non Microsoft programs and data. That is a lot of work...
What is the sequence to restore back the user data ? Do I create the user accounts first and then reinstall the non Windows programs and finally restore the user data??.??
If I restore the system image the only thing I have to correct is any possibly corrupted Windows files? I would not have to reinstall non Windows 10 programs and data.


Do I have to download Windows 10 as an iOS file , place it on a USB or on my desktop so if there are corrupted Windows 10 files. Do I have all the media already available??


Or, should I create the user accounts, then download and install all previously installed non Windows programs like Nero 2013 or Windows live mail and then restore the user data ? A lot of work indeed


In summary, I have a clean install of Windows 10 , a system image and user data from a backup taken while I had a failing hard drive. What is the best thing to do to restore my user data and what order do I do things in and what media do I need to have before I start i.e. An iOS copy of Windows 10 on my desktop or on a USB drive?
I would appreciate your help