I found a backup file on drive D [the old hard drive that he told me was unrecoverable]. Anyway the backup file is 24 gigs and my pictures from the old computer might just be on it. trouble is I have no clue what to do with that file.

Right now the new hard drive is on C and the old one on D. So what can I do with that backup file to find out if there are pics on it?

What program was used to create the backup file? I would use that in the hopes it lets you see what's there.

I think it was Windows Backup [XP pro].

As I said, I would use that to see if it will let you see inside. I would not tell it to restore or it may overwrite all your current stuff.

Thanks but as per the original question....how do I do that?

I have not had the need to use XP backup to restore so I am not very familiar with the steps. See if these help.

How to use the Backup utility to back up files and folders in Windows XP Home Edition
HOW TO USE WINDOWS XP: RESTORING YOUR BACKUP FILES