Partial backup using image files

I've read lots of ways to do an image backup, which include the complete windows 8.1 operating system. However, my laptop, an ASUS Q301, has a feature that allows a complete wipe-out and reinstall of the operating system back to how the computer was when purchased. This is built in to a separate sector of the hard-disk, I assume. I've used this feature a few times already to wipe clean from my computer the freshy malware and a few other viruses. But now I have apps that cannot be re-installed from zip files saved on a usb along with my documents, photos, etc. Is there a way to save the state of my machine without having to include the operating system? I can save my files, no problem, what I want to do is save the install of my apps.

Is there a way to save the state of my machine without having to include the operating system? I can save my files, no problem, what I want to do is save the install of my apps.

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Sorry, no. Information related to apps is stored in lots of different places, including the collection of files known as the Registry. Don't know of any way to save just the app info such that it can be used to reinstall the apps.