Can I manually restore with Time Machine backups?

[snively]

I tried to do it via the install disc but it doesn't find any of the backups. I had stopped the Time Machine backup one night and I think by doing that it has caused problems. Anyways, all of the backup files are there, and I need to do a full copy/replace over to the hdd where leopards installed. I wouldn't have to do this but after reinstalling, I can't get my native resolution going again by doing the same process I had done the first time, so I'm itching to try this and see if it'll work.

 

edit: Originally placed this in the wrong forum so I'm reposting it here.

 

I'd need to do this in safe mode I believe, but I don't know any of the terminal commands. It's been years since I've done anything on a *nix OS.