Final answer:
A System image backup is ideal for restoring a computer to its original state after a drive failure as it includes the operating system, installed programs, settings, and files.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most useful type of backup for a user who wants to quickly restore their computer to the state it was in when Windows and all its apps were initially installed is a System image backup. This backup type captures everything on the drive including the operating system, installed programs, settings, and files, thus making it a perfect snapshot of the entire system at a specific point in time. In the event of a drive failure, the user can restore their system to exactly how it was when the backup was made.