deleted latest backup files

[VISTA on Inspiron 530S] In clearing out space on my backup partition (D), I accidently managed to delete the last backup files in the last backup set, and now I cannot back up files. (The backup files folder was in the Recycle Bin, but it didn't contain any of the backed-up files.) The error msg is "The latest backup set cannot be found ... create a new full backup." But I don't see any info on the Backup & Restore page or in the Help & Support on how to do a "Full Backup." Can someone point me to the instructions? Is a Full Backup the same as System Restore? My system & system backup is OK, I just want to back up files. Thanks! - ed